WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece has targeted James Coates as a potential name to face Vauxhall Motors and solve his goalkeeping dilemma.

City's number one stopper Danny McDonnell is suspended for Saturday's relegation six-pointer at St George's Lane following his sending-off against league leaders Southport earlier this month.

Preece is compiling a shortlist of possible goalkeepers to slot in for McDonnell but believes the weight of responsibility in such a crucial match is too much for Worcester's rookie 'keeper Lewis Skyers.

Coates made seven appearances for City earlier this season after McDonnell suffered a recurrence of a rib injury.

The talented 19-year-old has since played for the reserves at Coca-Cola League Two side Boston United and was training with Mansfield Town.

Preece said: "James is one of the names we've got down on the list for Saturday. It's a possibility. I would have to explore every avenue though before I make a decision.

"At the moment, we will be looking for somebody to come in. We need someone who is going to do the job that they have done before. It's a lot to ask for a young lad like Lewis.

"I think it's best to get somebody with a little bit more experience at this level.

"It's a pressure situation but I think the time will eventually come for Lewis. When he came on against Southport, he did okay and his kicking was good.

"There's a long way to go to assess him. But at the moment, it's probably asking a bit too much of him.

"It's normally in their 30's when goalkeepers hit their peak, so Lewis has got a long way to go. He's got the raw materials. Hopefully, he can come through, work on his weaknesses and become a better all-round goalkeeper."

Worcester's relegation fears mounted following last night's Nationwide North results.

They are now just five points from the drop zone after Stalybridge Celtic won 1-0 at home to Redditch.

Runcorn FC Halton's 2-1 victory at Vauxhall Motors also pushed City down to sixth from bottom.