TALENTED winger Michael Blackwood is set for an early exit from St George's Lane with a Football League and Conference club after his services.

The 23-year-old was a surprise omission from Worcester line-up against Tamworth last night which ended goalless and saw City stay top by a point.

Manager John Barton has been dealt a further blow with the news that striker Stewart Hadley will be out for up to six months after being told he needs surgery on his troublesome Achilles.

Blackwood will play a reserve team match, rumoured to be for Stevenage Borough, tomorrow night, while Lincoln City have also been tracking the player.

"He's had a couple of offers and we've had an agreement that we wouldn't stand in his way and he's gone to explore those avenues," said Barton.

"My personal view is that those offers are not beneficial to him but we have an agreement.

"It's disappointing but he's one of a number of ex-Football League players trying to get back into the league and if he plays well you give yourself a platform to return.

"His absence destroyed the balance of our team last night but I was pleased with a point against a good Tamworth side.

"While we are grateful for a point, I think they will be disappointed they didn't get all three.

"But our goalkeeper Danny McDonnell was superb and the defence also did well.

"I felt it wasn't going to be our night but if it isn't going to be your night at least make sure it's not your opponents which is what we did," said the City boss.