ANDY Preece is desperate to make a positive impression on and off the pitch tomorrow as he takes his first game in charge of Worcester City against Nationwide North leaders Southport.

City's new player-manager is ready to name himself among the starting line-up on his eagerly awaited return to St George's Lane in what should be one of the club's toughest league fixtures of the campaign.

The 37-year-old veteran striker has proved prolific down the years at Football League sides Stockport County, Crystal Palace, Blackpool and Bury.

More recently, Preece's 13 goals in 18 appearances for Carlisle United this season helped the Cumbrian outfit soar to second in the Conference.

Preece has no intention of hanging up his striking boots just yet and revealed to carry on playing for at least the duration of his 18-month contract.

He would prefer to assess his inherited playing squad from the stands against the high-flying Sandgrounders tomorrow and during Monday night's league clash with Gainsborough Trinity.

But given City's disastrous run of form, no wins in 2005 and six defeats from seven, Preece believes he has a lot to offer out on the pitch.

Preece said: "It would be ideal for me to be in the stands for the next two games. If we were in a more comfortable position in the table, then I'd do that but we are on a bad run at the minute and we need a bit of confidence.

"I think I can give us something out on the pitch. I've been playing for Carlisle regularly and I've done well this season, so I would be foolish not to consider myself.

"It will be up to the players to show me what they can do. They have got to get back to what they were playing at the start of the season and there's no bigger challenge than Southport at home."

Preece added: "It's a great game in prospect. There can be no better game for myself and the rest of the players. Hopefully, they are going to want to prove to me that they deserve to be here and that they can compete with the best team in the league.

"I'm looking for an instant reaction from the players with it being such a big game. I expect nothing less. If we can get that, then we can get some momentum going into Monday's game and right through into the end of the season."

Defenders Shabir Khan (groin), Les Hines (calf) and John Snape (illness) are doubts for the clash, while young striker James Smith is ruled out after picking up a knee injury in the mid-week reserve win at Bromsgrove.

Southport manager Liam Watson has a full-strength side to choose from, with only fringe striker Neil Robinson unavailable.