CARL Heeley insists the pressure is on Worcester City's players to save their careers at St George's Lane following back-to-back defeats under new boss Andy Preece.

Veteran defender Heeley, 35, currently out of action after damaging his knee in a freak training accident, realises Preece may want to freshen up his squad immediately to rescue City from a potential relegation dog-fight in Nationwide North.

Preece has already moved to draft in his first signing, securing the services of 24-year-old former Bury midfielder George Clegg, who could make his City debut at Alfreton Town on Saturday.

Worcester's player-manager hinted that one or two more names might arrive soon to help resurrect a flagging season. City have dropped to 16th in the league following home defeats to Southport and Gainsborough.

Due to the club's budget limitations, Preece could be forced to clear out a few players and Heeley warned that nobody is safe from the axe.

Heeley, 35, said: "The ball is firmly in the players' court. If they perform, they will get an opportunity. If they don't, they will be looking elsewhere to play their football.

"They have got to play well for the manager, they have got to play well for themselves and they have got to play well for the club. It's difficult for the manager to have pre-conceived ideas of the players, and they are being given a chance to prove themselves. We realise that the manager may want to bring in his own players."

X-rays revealed that Heeley had not fractured his knee in a training ground accident last week. He makes training tonight for a light jogging session, although a return to action at Alfreton's Impact Arena could come too soon.

He added: "At the moment, it's just stiffness in the knee. I may be available for Saturday, certainly for the week after."

n Nick Colley, Alex Volosanovs and Pat Lyons all featured in midfield last night as City's reserves went down 2-0 at Stafford Rangers in a Central Conference fixture.

Liam McDonald figured at left-back, while John Snape partnered Joel Skyers in central defence.