ADAM Webster has been rated "touch and go" to face Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow.

Last season's triple award-winning striker missed Worcester City's stalemate against Hinckley United with a problematic knee.

And the 25-year-old's importance was highlighted in stark fashion as City's punch-drunk attack failed miserably to shoot down their 10-man visitors.

Leon Kelly and player-manager Andy Preece toiled hard but the partnership failed to spark.

After picking up just one point from their first two Nationwide North outings, Worcester urgently need Webster, the club's number one marksman, to lead the line.

But with his knee 'improving' yet still causing slight aggravation, Webster may need a late fitness check.

"Webby's knee is improving steadily," said Preece. "He is taking it easy and we will see how it goes before the game.

"He's an important player to us and he's proved himself over the last few years. He will always score goals. Of course, we want him fit, but it is touch and go."

Although Worcester wasted a handful of promising first-half chances, the side lacked inventiveness and failed to break down Hinckley when former City ace Carl Heeley received his marching orders.

Preece was more concerned with Worcester's poor finishing and has called on his players to be more incisive against Trinity.

The Lincolnshire outfit recorded a double over City last season and dished out a 3-0 thrashing on the final day at the Northolme.

Preece added: "Our finishing definitely needs to be better. We could not have created three better opportunities than we did in the first-half against Hinckley.

"As far as creating is concerned, we did everything except set somebody up on the goal-line. We created a couple of one-on-ones, so we must be doing something right in that respect.

"We had three fantastic chances that we did not finish. There's room for improvement in that area. We can't be expected to create 10 chances to score one goal."

City midfielder George Clegg returns for the St George's Lane clash, but is unlikely to start after being on holiday for two weeks.

Trialist Justin Thompson is also not expected to be involved. The Canadian defender is trying to earn a contract at League One side Gillingham and played a full 90 minutes in a 2-1 reserve defeat against QPR earlier this week.

Cash-strapped Trinity lost several of their big earners during the summer, including star striker Lee Ellington to rivals Stalybridge Celtic.

The Blues moved to bring in former Hull City and Scarborough forward Clint Marcelle, but Paul Mitchell's side have made an equally disappointing start to the campaign.

They began with a 2-2 draw at home to Moor Green before losing 2-0 at Northwich Victoria in mid-week.

Mitchell said: "We know we are up against it as Worcester are a strong team. I believe they are one of the favourites to go up this season, because they have a good squad with strong foundations."