THIRD-from-bottom Worcester City are looking to add “a few new faces” to their squad as they gear up for their final 10 games of the season.
A 2-2 draw with play-off chasing Darlington on Saturday saw City move one point behind relegation rivals Gainsborough Trinity.
And captain Danny Jackman believes some new additions will help to give Worcester a further “lift” as they try to avoid dropping out of the Vanarama National League North.
Worcester are keeping a close eye on young Burton Albion forward Cameron Steele who was among several players on trial last week.
Experienced winger Matt Birley, who previously played for City between 2009 and 2013, also made a surprise appearance on the bench at the weekend.
“We are constantly looking to improve,” said Jackman, who is assistant to caretaker boss John Snape.
“We are looking to try to get new players in, but it is difficult at the minute so we don’t want to bring players in just for the sake of it.
“They have got to be better than what we have already got.
“I don’t know what has happened with (Cameron Steele) - that is something for Snapper.
“But we are looking to get a few new faces in just to try to give us a lift because we have got a few more games to go yet and they will all be cup finals.”
Birley, a former Birmingham City trainee, featured in pre-season for City, scoring a stunning free-kick in their defeat to Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, joined Halesowen Town at the start of the season.
But with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League outfit not in action at the weekend, Birley agreed to play for Worcester, who had retained his registration.
“Sam Oji was ill, so Birls came in and gave us a little bit of cover on the bench,” Jackman said.
“As we were up against a physical team we needed a bit more experience and he adds quality as well.
“He is dual registered, but it is something Snapper might look at (extending).
“I think Birls has not played a massive amount of games, so if he is playing over at Halesowen then it is good for him to keep playing.
“If the opportunity comes along (to play for City) I am sure he will be well up for it and ready to take it.”
Birley’s inclusion meant there was no place for City’s under 18s players who have been involved with the first team in recent weeks.
And Jackman admitted they did not want to “destroy their confidence” as they face a battle to stay in the sixth tier.
“We will continue to keep using the youngsters if we can and try to integrate them slowly,” he said.
“But it is not a great situation for them to be in, so we do not want to destroy their confidence if we are battling against it.
“But equally we want to give them a bit of time moving forward so they are accustomed to being in and around the first team.”
City, who are without a win in 15 league matches, travel to 14th placed Nuneaton Town on Saturday (3pm).
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