BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith is facing a player crisis ahead of Saturday's showpiece friendly fixture at home to Nationwide North club Leamington.

Smith is already missing nine of his 21 strong squad and that could rise to 10 before the weekend.

The Sporting boss revealed: "It seems to be the week when most people have chosen to go on holiday.

"Five of the lads have gone away together, while others are away with their families.

"I might have to draft in some of the club's younger players and there's a real danger that both myself and assistant Brendan Kelly could be named on the bench.

"It would be a great experience for the youngsters as we're expecting a big crowd. We had around 400 for last Saturday's friendly with Wolves Sporting Community and we would expect Leamington to bring a decent following with them."

Smith could be tempted to include his latest signing Max Loveridge who has been snapped up from local rivals Redditch United.

Loveridge pulled his hamstring while training with Sporting but is close to recovery.

Smith revealed: "Max contacted me out of the blue and said he was looking for a new challenge. He pulled his hamstring in only his second training session, but is now back running at full pelt and I might be tempted to give him 10 to 15 minutes against Leamington, but he won't be rushed back.

"He's a great capture for us, especially having lost Keenan Meaker-Richards and Luke Edwards. Max is a central midfield player who demands the ball and he already knows a number of the squad from his time with Redditch."

Sporting should be closer to full strength by the time they face Southern League Premier side Stratford Town with six absentees set to return.