WORCESTER City are fast running out of fit defenders after Lee Ayres became the latest addition to the ever-growing casualty list.

The former Kidderminster Harriers centre-half damaged his Achilles during the first-half of last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Workington and had to be replaced.

With Ellis Deeney (ankle), Jacob Rowe (knee), Danny Edwards (knee) and skipper Stuart Whitehead (groin) already sidelined, as well as keeper Glyn Thompson (thigh), Ayres’ injury has left City severely depleted at the back.

Whitehead could be fit for the visit of Hinckley United this Saturday but otherwise it means the defence that finished the Borough Park match — Tyler Weir, Rob Elvins, Shabir Khan and Jason Beardsley — are the only ones available.

Manager Carl Heeley said: “The one thing you can’t legislate for is the amount of players we have got missing.

“Our side is unrecognisable from what it has been when we’ve been at our best. It’s unfortunate that all the players injured are defenders.”

He continued: ”I’ve got my first choice back four and keeper all injured but it’s no good complaining about it.

“It’s harsh and tough but you’ve just got to get on with it. We have got four games to go and we’ve got to get through.

“Apart from Stuart, there are no signs of anybody being close to returning. You can complain as much as you like, it doesn’t change the situation. It gives an opportunity to the rest of the squad.”

Heeley, who played more than 500 games for the club at centre-half, has also ruled out the possibility of bringing himself out of retirement to provide cover.

“Those days are gone,” he said. “To stop me naming myself I’ve stopped registering myself so the temptation is not there. It won’t happen because I’m not registered.”

Meanwhile, Worcester will use the final four games of the season to continue to run the rule over the younger players, some of whom could be in the reckoning for next season.

On-loan Walsall winger Kieron Morris and striker Ethan Moore have been handed their chances in recent games, while there have also been outings for full-back Beardsley and Aston Villa’s teenage forward Daniel Williams.

Former Worcester youth team midfielder Josh Smith has also been recalled from his loan at Midland Alliance outfit Bridgnorth Town and is set to get minutes before the end of the season.

Heeley said: “It’s an opportunity to have a look at players. They are young lads but they’ve got ability.

“I have brought Josh back from Bridgnorth because I need to have a look at him.

“I will give him a game and an opportunity and see how he does.”