IAN Reed has been transfer-listed on the eve of Worcester City's FA Cup clash with Barnstaple Town.

The left-sided player has failed to hold down a regular first-team place at St George's Lane this season.

Manager John Barton spoke to Reed at training last night and both agreed it was in the best interests if he left the club.

"He hasn't been happy at the club and to be fair it hasn't worked out for both parties," said Barton.

"I spoke to him last night and he agreed he wanted to go, so the sooner this can be sorted out the better."

Reed, who played in the Football League with Shrewsbury Town, joined City from Nuneaton Borough last year, but has not started a game since the Hinckley clash on August 27.

Meanwhile, Barton suffered an injury blow last night when Martin Weir was sent home after his shin ballooned up with an infection.

The infection is in the cut that required stitches after he was stret-chered off in the 0-0 draw at Merthyr Tydfil earlier this month.

"Martin is almost certainly out," said Barton.

"He took a bang on the shin on Monday night and it has swelled up to almost twice the size. I sent him straight home and he didn't train."

Long-serving Ian Cottrill looks set to drop back into defence tomorrow with Nathan Jukes in the running for the left wing-back slot.

Striker Mark Owen, who was substituted with a calf injury during the 3-1 defeat of King's Lynn, will have an X-ray later today to reveal the extent of the damage, but Barton was optimistic he will play tomorrow.

"He's going for an X-ray but it is only precautionary and we are hopeful Mark will be OK for tomorrow," said Barton.

Midfielder Paul Carty also did not train with the squad at St George's Lane last night but is set to play.

City travel to Barnstaple as clear favourites, but Barton admitted he would be taking nothing for granted against the Screwfix Direct Western League Premier Division underdogs.

"A few of us have been around long enough to have been on the receiving end of FA Cup results that haven't always gone our way," he said.

"So for us tomorrow is about ap-proaching it with the right attitude and getting it right mentally."