JON Holloway could be drafted into Worcester City's defence for their clash with Crawley Town at St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm) with manager John Barton struggling to find 14 fit players.

The midfielder is set to replace the suspended Mark Shail who starts a three-match ban for being sent off against Chelmsford two weeks ago.

Veteran defender Martin Weir trained last night, but is still struggling with his ankle and will not be fit to take part in the match.

Barton's options are so restricted he could be forced to recall Mark Shepherd to his depleted squad.

The 23-year-old striker has been out for seven weeks with an ankle injury and only trained for the first time last night but could be called upon to take a place on the bench.

Striker Stewart Hadley, who has not trained all week and was substituted against Newport County last Saturday, should play despite suffering from a sore Achilles.

Barton admits he does not have too many options at present and knows Crawley will be determined to bounce back after last week's Tamworth defeat which severely dented their Dr Martens title hopes.

"It promises to be a tight encounter -- we've won our last two games against them and lost our last three narrowly at their place," said Barton.

"We are down to the bare bones again and it could be that I push Holloway into defence to keep a 3-5-2 formation."