Bognor are sweating on the fitness of Michael Birmingham for the visit of Welling as they aim to bounce back from defeat at Newport County last Saturday.

Birmingham is doubtful for the clash with Paul Parker's struggling side due to the knee injury which kept him out of the trip to Wales.

The Rocks sorely missed the presence of their assistant manager as Darren Budd and Guy Rutherford saw red in the 1-0 defeat but manager Jack Pearce will not rush the midfielder back.

Pearce said: "Mike is one of the few players who can play badly but still have a major influence on the team so we need him back as soon as possible.

"He is only 60/40 at the moment but we won't take any risks with him because it might rule him out for more games in the long run.

"He is one of the best midfielders in the league so of course we missed him at Newport. But we have had good results against Redbridge and Weston-super-Mare when he was not in the side so it is not like we totally rely on him."

Jamie Howell is expected to shake off a shoulder injury to be fit for the visit of Welling who are propping up the table after conceding 20 goals in seven games.