TALISMANIC Feckenham striker Lee Ross has been ruled out for a month by a knee ligament injury picked up in last week's Endsleigh Challenge Cup quarter-final at Coventry Sphinx.

The striker, on loan from Southern League, Western Division outfit Stourport Swifts, hit a hat-trick to maintain his prolific form in the Midland Combination but will be sidelined for the first leg of the Millers' semi-final at Pershore Town a week on Saturday.

But Adams will hope the striker is sufficiently recovered to play a part in the home leg at The Valley on Saturday, April 1 - although Swifts manager Roy Rencher might have other ideas.

The former Studley striker has boosted Adams by indicating he might drop down two leagues from Swifts, who he joined earlier in the season, to rejoin the Millers because of work commitments.

Adams welcomed the Challenge Cup draw which meant his charges avoided champions-elect Atherstone Town and Shifnal Town.

"For the first time the draw has possibly been kind to us, although that does not mean we are taking Pershore lightly," said the Millers manager, who saw Pershore lose to Atherstone on Saturday after his side's trip to Brocton was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Millers return to league action at home to rock-bottom Continental Star on Saturday (ko 2.45pm) knowing a win could see them climb a place to fifth.

But the hosts will be without Mark Hands, who has returned to Stourport along with the injured Ross.