WORCESTER City are looking to sign a left-back as cover for Shabir Khan’s international commitments.

City’s reigning player-of-the-season is with Pakistan in Qatar preparing for next month’s South Asian Football Federation Cup in Bangladesh.

Manager Richard Dryden deployed Alfie Carter in that role against Burnham on Saturday but he is keen to utilise Carter in a forward capacity following his two-goal salvo against Redditch.

As a result, Dryden is in the market for a replacement left-back to fill the void until Shabir returns in mid-December.

He said: “I was desperate to get Alfie further up the field for the start of the game but it’s not for the want of trying to get a left-back. It’s a question of do we play a right-sided player there or go and get a left-back for a month? We are still thinking about the best option.

“It could be a loan deal or a player on non-contract but it will all come down to finances.”

Dryden already has one player on loan, Weston striker Marvin Brown, and has yet to decide whether to keep him beyond the end of the month.

He said: “We will see what injuries we pick up, if he gets a start and how he does.

“Marvin and Marc McGregor coming in have probably given Marco Adaggio and Matt Dinsmore a kick up the backside. It’s spurred them on.”

Dryden also believes his team still lacks a ruthless edge despite seeing off Burnham 2-1 in the FA Trophy at the weekend.

He added: “We took a battering at home to Welling but since then I think we’ve played some decent stuff but still need that killer instinct, whether it’s in front of goal or defending a lead.

Midfielder Gary Walker should be fit for Saturday’s match against Bishop’s Stortford after picking up a knock.