WORCESTER City may have to break up their in-form central defensive partnership for tonight's FA Umbro Trophy second round replay with Hendon at St George's Lane (7.45).

Manager John Barton is faced with a dilemma at right-back, with the on-loan Allan Davies cup-tied and Andy Bradley rated as doubtful with a back injury.

Barton could move Carl Heeley to right-back and play the fit-again Martin Weir alongside Mark Tucker in the centre of defence, although he could play three central defenders as he did in Saturday's 1-0 league win over Ilkeston and push Paul Carty back from midfield.

His options are limited by injury, with winger Mike Wyatt, midfielder Ian Cottrill and striker Carl Tranter all struggling to make tonight's game.

Barton said: "We are going to be struggling to cover certain areas of the pitch. We have something in mind for the game but we need to check on people tonight."

The City boss is well aware of the dangers posed by Ryman League Premier Division side Hendon in last week's 1-1 draw.

He said: "This tie is far from over and I wouldn't be fooled by their 4-1 defeat at Chesham on Saturday, either. They are not a bad side."

But he was encouraged by some of their football against Ilkeston, even though they struggled to overcome a side who played for 80 minutes without a recognised goalkeeper.

"Some of the football we played in spells was as good as it has been for a while. If we can extend these spells, we will be on the right lines."

Barton also acknowledged the importance of keeping their Trophy run going -- tonight's winners entertain Tiverton Town in the third round on January 13.

"It extends the season and gives us something to look forward to after Christmas other than the league programme.

"We consider the Christmas programme to have started on Saturday with a lot of games in a short period of time, and we have made a decent start to that."