CRAIG Pountney has been earmarked as the player to end Evesham United's attacking problems.

The departures of Wesley Joyce and Mark Shepherd has left new boss Dave Busst with a severe striker shortage and the former Studley marksman is set to be given a debut at Yate on Saturday.

Pountney, who won the Midland Allia-nce's Golden Boot last term, trained at Common Road on Tuesday and, according to Busst, will play this weekend.

The newly installed United boss revealed that he had contacted almost all the Dr Martens League Premier Division managers in his search for a forward and he will now be hoping that the prolific Pountney can again adapt to life at a higher level.

One player unlikely to figure at Yate is Pountney's former teammate Kevin Rowlands, but Busst is confident that skipper Nathan Jukes will still be at the club despite strong interest from Stourport.

"He's the captain and I expect him to at least have a look at things for the next month before making a decision about his future,"

Three points at Yate will prove a huge boost for Busst and everyone at the club but the boss is taking nothing for granted.

"There are no easy games but if we can string two or three wins together then a platform will be laid for the remainder of the season but there will be no easy ride for no one."