Tyrone starts with a bang

'He's got electric pace and can play right side or up front,' said King. 'That's vital for us with Andy Drury struggling with his hamstring.'

Rooks's prolific striker Paul Booth could play some part in Saturday's league game against Thurrock at the Dripping Pan.

Booth, who damaged knee ligaments against Dorchester last month, came on as a second-half substitute in Tuesday's Sussex Senior Cup tie at Selsey, won 3-1 by Lewes.

King said: 'Boothy had a run out and he'll be on the substitute's bench on Saturday, but he needs time after his layoff.'

Definitely missing from the Thurrock game are Paul Kennett, Simon Wormull and Jean-Michel Sigere, who needs a couple of weeks to recover from an illness that has seen him lose a stone in weight.

With Kennett injured, Matt McEntegart, released by Forest Green Rovers, could also play a vital midfield role. King said: 'He's a decent player and was Chippenham's player of the year last season.

'He's a left-sided centre-half but can also play a holding midfield role. He's a tough lad and put in a couple of thumping challenges against Selsey.

'It's handy to have a couple of new men who can play in several positions. We've tried to freshen things up '“ all clubs do it around January '“ and we've had a lot of injuries.

'We can't wait for players to be fit '“ the time for reaching the playoffs is getting shorter although I'm still confident we can do it.'

Full story in Friday's Sussex Express