WORCESTER City manager Richard Dryden has stepped up his search for a striker as cover for Craig Wilding.

The City captain could need surgery on a long-standing groin problem in the next few weeks, leaving only Marco Adaggio and Matt Dinsmore as recognised forwards.

A move was made for Havant and Waterlooville marksman Danny Webb, a sub when City won 2-0 on the south coast last month, but a deal could not be reached.

Dryden, though, has not ruled out the possibility of having a new face in the squad for tomorrow’s FA Trophy clash against AFC Wimbledon (3pm).

He said: “Craig will need an operation by the looks of it so I am looking to get another forward in.”

The Worcester boss is also keen to bring his own contract talks with the St George’s Lane club to a swift conclusion by signing on the dotted line.

Dryden penned an 18-month deal when he took over from Andy Preece last December and that expires at the end of the current season. He wants to stay at St George’s Lane and is keen to secure his job for the 2009/10 campaign.

Both Dryden and assistant Carl Heeley were assured that the new board, led by chairman Anthony Hampson, had no intention of changing the management team.

“I think we are pretty close. I just want to get it sorted and get organised for this season and next,” said Dryden.