HIGHWORTH TOWN manager Jeff Roberts says his biggest concern is keeping all of his players injury free through their busy Christmas period in Southern League Division One South, starting away at Paulton Rovers on Saturday.

Roberts received news that one of his key players, Callum Parsons, was calling time on his season due to family commitments this week, while defender Rory Sproules’ comeback from injury would be delayed once again, leaving the Worthians boss with a threadbare squad as they travel to Somerset tomorrow.

Last weekend, Highworth’s back four and goalkeeper had an average age of 22, but they still managed a 1-1 draw away at Moneyfields, something Roberts was more than happy with.

Highworth head to Paulton to take on a side that thumped promotion-chasing Cirencester Town 5-2 last weekend, but Roberts is adamant they will go there with no fear and feels his small squad are starting to show what they’re capable of.

He said: “We’ve got four games in 10 days coming up, so as long as we can stay away from injuries and keep the small squad together, I think we should be ok.

“We’ve got a very young defence, but I think they’ve done well of late. They’re battling and they’re doing the job, so we’re quite pleased with that.

“We’ve got a very small squad at the moment and we’re taking the bare 14 players to games, but we’re happy. The lads are training well and the team spirit is there, so if we can continue picking up points, it keeps the confidence there as well, which is important.”

Highworth were given some good news this week, though, as they secured the signing of ex-Swindon Town scholar Wilf White.

Following the departure of Parsons, Roberts is hoping the young winger can add to Town’s attacking talents while admitting their youth policy is something fans will have to get used to.

Roberts said: “I’ve been chasing Wilf for two or three weeks now. As soon as we heard he was free, we decided to go in for him, but it’s taken him a little while to decide what’s best for him and his career.

“We have quite a few young players already. We’re never going to compete with the big boys financially, so we need to look towards the younger generation.”