MANAGER Carl Heeley is holding out hope for positive news on several injury-hit Worcester City players.

Kieran Morris (hand), Connor Gater (toe) and Tyler Weir (ankle) have all suffered setbacks and face missing City’s season opener against Harrogate Town at the Victoria Ground on Saturday (3pm).

Centre-back Morris looks set for a “frustrating” spell on the sidelines after sustaining a broken hand during City’s 4-3 victory over Romulus last Wednesday.

However, Heeley says there is a chance the 21-year-old could be back in action within the next “few weeks”.

“Unfortunately, Kieran got his hand caught in the shirt of an opponent and broke two bones,” he said.

“It is really frustrating for us and for Kieran. But hopefully he can get a lightweight cast which won’t keep him out for long.

“It’s a shame and we wish him well but hopefully he will be OK in a few weeks. Kieran played the last couple of games before that and did really well.

“I don’t want to see anybody get injured and miss games but unfortunately it is part and parcel of football.

“But it is his hand and it all depends on what we can protect it with and whether it is acceptable enough to be allowed to play.”

Gater has not featured since City’s 2-0 defeat to Redditch United in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup semi-finals due to an issue with his toe.

Heeley said they were awaiting the results of a scan but admitted there was “no obvious problem”.

“There are no broken bones but it is causing Connor quite a lot of discomfort,” Heeley said.

“But the scan will tell us what we need to know and this week we should know that.”

There are also concerns over the fitness of Tyler Weir after he hobbled off at half-time in the 2-1 friendly win at Leamington last Saturday.

The full-back, who was also forced off against Romulus, later tweeted a picture of his swollen ankle but Heeley remains optimistic.

“He has turned his ankle slightly but hopefully it will settle down,” he said.

Dean Waldron’s hopes of pushing his case for a regular starting place have suffered a blow this summer.

The promising midfielder has played no part in City’s pre-season and Heeley says they are hoping to discover more about his problem in the coming days.

“Dean has had a scan as he has been struggling with symptoms of a hernia,” Heeley added.

“He has not done anything through pre-season but has had a scan and we are waiting for the results.”