WORCESTER City manager Andy Preece is relishing the chance to pit his side against Premiership new boys Shef-field United.

The South Yorkshire outfit visit St George's Lane for an eagerly-anticipated friendly on Thursday (7.45pm).

Blades manager Neil War-nock is refusing to name his starting 11, given that his side have three first team fixtures to fulfil before making the journey to Worcester.

United played Sheffield FC last night and are due to travel to Warnock's former side Notts County tonight and to Nationwide North newcomers Scarborough tomorrow.

But Preece is still expecting a strong team to take the field and provide his side with a stern test. He said: "I have heard it's going to be a very strong side. It's going to be a tough test for us with a Premiership club and Premiership players, which is great for a club like Worcester.

"It's a great opportunity for our players to have a go at some of the best players in the country and test ourselves. It's something I am looking forward to."

The Blades agreed to play City as part of the deal which saw teenager Sam Wedgbury sign at Bramall Lane last season. Wedgbury, however, will not feature against the side that propelled him into the spotlight when he came off the bench to score against Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the FA Cup second qualifying round, a feat which made him the youngest ever player to score for City's first team.

The youngster is currently with Sheffield United's academy in Northern Ireland competing in an under 17s tournament against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich until August 4.

Preece, meanwhile, is up-beat at City's pre-season momentum, particularly giv-en that most players got much needed playing time under their belts in the 1-1 draw with Walsall and 2-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Centre-half Justin Thomp-son provided a slight scare when he was taken to hospital after a clash of heads with Adam Mahdi against Bristol Rovers. However, initial fears he had fractured an eye socket proved a false alarm.