WORCESTER City manager John Barton is confident his side can shrug off their injury problems and return to winning ways tomorrow.

City's home clash with King's Lynn in the Dr Martens League Premier Division (3pm) may be an ideal opportunity for them to get their FA Umbro Trophy defeat against Hendon out of their systems.

Despite his squad being down to the bare bones, Barton realises the importance of a victory to kick off their busy holiday programme.

With eight points to make up on leaders Burton Albion but having suffered only one defeat in their last seven league games, they know they can't afford any slips.

In the circumstances, a visit from King's Lynn, who are five places below City in 12th, may not be their toughest possible test.

The Norfolk side have hit major financial problems, which resulted in the resignation of boss Gary Mills and the appointment of senior player Tony Spearing in his place.

Barton said of King's Lynn: "I have picked them up once this season. They have changed manager and results seem a little bit up and down at the moment.

"It may be a good time to catch them but they may be thinking the same about us."

Barton hopes that the players -- at least those who are fit -- will have shaken off the hangover from their Trophy defeat.

He added: "We had a decent training session last night. You just have to prepare and organise as best we can with what we have got.

"Tomorrow may be a little bit more difficult because of the circumstances, but we will be there doing our best to get three points from every game."

On-loan full-back Allan Davies returns to City's side after being ineligible for the Trophy defeat, while midfielder Ian Cottrill and winger Mike Wyatt could be fit to return.

City travel to Halesowen Town -- and a meeting with their former striker Sam Bowen -- on Boxing Day afternoon.

Meanwhile, City have been drawn away to Redditch United or Evesham United in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Cup. The tie must be played on or before March 8.

Tomorrow's game will be preceded by a minute's silence in memory of City stalwart Ron Lambert, a former player, director, secretary and fundraiser for the club, who died suddenly last week aged 80.

Worcester (from): McDonnell, P. Wyatt, Davies, Bradley, Jukes, Tucker, Heeley, Weir, Lutz, Cottrill, Carty, Reed, Owen, Cotter, M. Wyatt, Scheppel, Burrow, Woods.