MANAGER John Barton has a selection nightmare ahead of Worcester City's clash with Dr Martens Premier Division strugglers Newport Isle of Wight tomorrow (3pm).

Up to 10 first teamers could be out of action, as they were for Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Tiverton Town, and matters show little sign of easing ahead of the Port's visit.

Besides the long term injured Mark Owen, Darren Middleton, Ian Cottrill and Chris Greenman - Barton has doubts over Allan Davies (hamstring), Darren Bullock (ankle), Mark Shepherd (flu), Phil Stant (Achilles) and Andy Ellis (ankle).

Martin Weir, unavailable against Tiverton, is expected to be available and Barton is looking to his side to bounce back from the midweek defeat.

"We've got to dust ourselves down and get ready for Newport," he said. "The positives from the Tiverton match are that we got within 14 minutes of the end without conceding a goal and on the balance of play deserved a draw at least.

"We've had some half-chances that people on their game with a bit more conviction might have scored from."

Barton will pick his team at the last minute but assistant boss Mick Tuohy is pessimistic on many of the missing players being fit again.

"It's already been a topsy-turvy period and I don't think we are going to know the team until the last minute and I think we'll be down to the bare bones again," he said.

Newport arrive with Evesham-born ex-Aston Villa striker Guy Whittingham taking charge of his first game since Tony Mount quit as boss after last week's 1-0 win against Cambridge City.

The Port are unbeaten in five league games, while City have now lost eight of their last 12 matches and will be keen to rediscover the form that earned them a 3-1 win at Welling.

Tuohy hopes Whittingham's app-ointment does not rebound on City.

"It seems to be Sod's Law that every time we're due to play a struggling team they appoint a new manager or bring in six or seven signings," he said. "But there's no point in whinging -- we have to work hard and get on with it."

Worcester (from): McDonnell, Wyatt, Davies, Bullock, Weir, Blount, Burrow, Jackson, Carty, Hadley, Stant, Heeley, Jukes, Hyde, McFarlane, Woods, Stock, McDonald, Shepherd.

Formcast: City to find their scoring form and win 3-1.