WORCESTER City have received a three-way fitness boost on the eve of their FA Umbro Trophy fourth round tie at Stalybridge Celtic (3pm).

Defenders Mark Tucker and Kevin Willetts and winger Keith Knight have all been declared fit for the big game after coming through training last night.

However, midfielder Ian Cottrill has been unable to shake off a thigh problem and will join defender Martin Weir on the sidelines.

But manager John Barton is delighted to welcome back the key trio, while wide men John Deakin and Jon Purdie have both shaken off knocks.

Barton said: "I am not saying they are all 100 per cent fit but they came through last night and declared themselves available.

"We were a bit thin on the ground, and with the reductions we have had to make in the last few weeks, it leaves you a bit open to any injury situation."

City, who have won their last six matches, will be confident of beating Unibond League Premier Division side Stalybridge and reaching the last 16 for the first time since 1982.

Barton will be hoping for a continuation of the fine form of strikers Sam Bowen, who has scored five goals in the last two games, and Mark Owen, whose 23 goals this season have included eight in his last six outings.

"Confidence comes from winning football matches. We have won a few recently, and from that point of view we are in good nick.

Barton is considering a slight change in formation to counteract Stalybridge, saying: "In the games we have watched them they have played 3-4-3. We will look at our system accordingly and go with what we think tactically is the right thing to do against them.

"Whatever has been asked of the players recently, there has been a good response to it."

City are expected to have around 300 travelling fans at the Bower Fold tomorrow, and Barton says they can play a key role.

"If they play the part they have played before it makes a difference, no doubt about it. They can make a very good extra man."

Worcester (from): Watson, Sandeman, Willetts, Tucker, Heeley, Carty, Knight, Deakin, Lutz, Jukes, Owen, Bowen, Purdie, Frost, Upton, Wyatt.