JOHN Barton admitted Worcester City's injury situation is becoming ridiculous after watching his side lose 2-0 at Hednesford Town yesterday.

Late strikes from David Moss and Steven Piearce sank a spirited if shot-shy City but the number of casualties piling up is causing even more concern for the St George's Lane manager.

With up to 10 players carrying in-juries, scheduled for surgery, suffering illness or in the case of David Foy, Liam McDonald and Paul Wyatt suspended, Barton faces an anxious wait to see just who is available for the final home game of the season on Saturday.

Mitch Counsell (knee) Jon Holloway (illness), Adam Webster (illness) and Mark Shail (calf) were the latest to join the growing list yesterday with Counsell substituted after just 17 minutes and Holloway at half-time.

"It's reaching ridiculous proportions and as we go on we're getting more and more," he said.

However, Barton was upbeat about the displays of winger Richard Tomkins, on his full debut in the Dr Martens Premier Division, and substitute midfielder Dean Smith and defender Dan Parker.

"The youngsters gave us something positive to think about and overall I've got no complaints about the commitment," he said.