WORCESTER City have signed three more players as they continue to put the finishing touches to their squad for the new season.

With a little over 48 hours to go until the Vanarama Conference North curtain-raiser against Stalybridge Celtic at Aggborough on Saturday (3pm), the Blue and Whites have added Connor Gater, David McDermott and Tristan Dunkley to their ranks.

The trio have been rewarded after impressing during the pre-season programme and will now be looking to make an impact for Carl Heeley’s side.

Talks are also continuing with a number of last season’s squad and potential new targets ahead of the Celtic clash.

Forwards Ethan Moore and Aaron Williams are yet to put pen to paper and last term’s top-scorer Daniel Nti remains an option after appearing in last Saturday’s 2-1 friendly victory at Barwell, despite having had trials with Wrexham and Nuneaton.

Former England under 18s international utility player Gater is looking to prove his worth in Conference North after spells lower down the non-league pyramid with Tipton Town and Gornal Athletic.

The 22-year-old, born in Stourbridge, can operate in midfield but also at left-back and centre-half if required.

Heeley said: “Connor has done enough to be given the opportunity at a higher level of football.

“He has played for a number of local lower league clubs without ever getting the opportunity to step up.

“Connor has been very impressive during pre-season with his passing ability and work-rate and has fitted in with the rest of the squad.”

Former Kidderminster Harriers winger McDermott, 26, brings experience to the team having also played in the Conference for York City and he started his career at Walsall.

Fellow wide player Dunkley is the brother of Harriers central defender Chey and, although he arrived on the scene late during pre-season, has done enough to convince Heeley of his ability.

He has previously plied his trade at Loughborough University, from where City also unearthed the talents of player-of-the-season George Williams, Nti and Ebby Nelson-Addy, although the latter was not involved at Barwell.

Heeley added: “David is a very tidy footballer, who has experience on his side, and this will compliment the younger, less experienced lads in the squad.

“Tristan is a very exiting and quick wide player who wants the opportunity to play at a higher level, where he feels he can continue to progress.”

The duo bolster a midfield that also includes new signings in former Kidderminster Harriers player Danny Jackman, Connor Gudger from Tamworth and captain Ellis Deeney.