MANAGER Andy Preece is adamant he will not take any risks on players' fitness in the final three games of the season.

Worcester City's squad is already down to the bare bones and there are question marks over several players ahead of Saturday's match against Worksop Town at St George's Lane.

Although Adam Burley will return following a two-game suspension, George Clegg remains doubtful after suffering a dead leg against Gainsborough.

Chris Smith rested his ankle at Alfreton as Preece does not want a repeat of when Justin Thompson missed the start of this season through an injury picked up at the end of the previous campaign.

Preece, who even cancelled tonight's training session in order to protect his players, said: "We will rest Chris Smith and if that means he doesn't play for the rest of the season then so be it.

"Next season is a big season and I don't want him struggling. He's a key player.

"We are not going to risk any more and will give everybody a chance to be fit."

Wing-backs Graham Ward and Shabir Khan have been struggling with calf strains, although Preece feels they should figure on Saturday.

Captain Des Lyttle has been suffering with his hamstring but is likely to play as Thompson's switch to the Portland Timbers needs to be finalised before Sunday, ruling him out.

Preece said: "It looks increasingly like he won't be available because his international clearance has to go through by April 15.

"We will have Adam Burley and hopefully George Clegg back so we will be able to deal with it."

He added: "I only want to bring Gary Walker back from loan if he's going to be playing. He's doing well at Malvern and getting some games.

"It's doing him good so I am not looking to bring him back and not play him."

City have a good record against Worksop of late, having won 2-0 in Nottinghamshire in August and 3-0, courtesy of an Adam Webster hat-trick, on the final day of last season.

Worksop are currently three points above the relegation zone with just one win from their last six matches.