MANAGER Ashley Vincent revealed Worcester City were tapping into their links with “some great professional clubs” to land a new goalkeeper.

Vincent is trying to fill the void left by first-choice stopper Dan Jezeph who is banned for the opening three matches of the Midland League Premier Division campaign.

Several trialists have gone in goal during pre-season but none have agreed terms and Vincent now faces a race against time to get a deal over the line.

Vincent admitted he would be prepared to put reserves keeper Gabriel Bajrami in between the sticks for Saturday’s season-opener at Newark Flowserve.

But he said he was “pretty confident” of securing a new custodian this week due to City’s wealth of contacts.

“I think we will have another goalkeeper in over the next 48 to 72 hours to cover Dan’s suspension,” Vincent said.

“It’s a funny situation as we have probably looked at four or five keepers but we knew two of them wouldn’t be able to come in because of the issue we have with the FA Cup.

“The fact Dan is a stronger contender to be the number one can put some keepers off because they would be cup-tied if they were to go elsewhere after Dan gets back.

“We have got great links with some great professional clubs so we are hopeful of bringing in one of their boys as they don’t mind us playing them in the FA Cup.”

Jezeph made his first appearance since being hit with a 150-day ban for improper conduct against a match official on Tuesday when he started in the friendly at Redditch United.

But the ex-Walsall ace lasted just 15 minutes of the 1-1 draw before being forced off with a hamstring issue.

Bajrami came on in Jezeph’s place and Vincent said he was “comfortable” starting the youngster against Newark.

“Gabs is fantastic,” Vincent added.

“I had worked with him before he came into the Worcester set-up.

“He is with us for a reason and if we have to go with Gabs on Saturday we will do because we trust all of our players.

“He still needs to learn and we have got a goalkeeping coach to help him out.

“We feel like we have got a great squad of players, not just a team.”