By Andrew Gidley

New signing Steven Watt has been ruled out of Dover’s opening two Blue Square Bet South games of the season with a shoulder injury.

The former Grimsby and Chelsea centre-back (pictured) was hurt in last Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal, and will miss the opener at home to Dorchester on Saturday, and the trip to Thurrock next Tuesday.

Boss Martin Hayes said: "It was a freak accident after Steve challenged for a header.

"There is no break, but he’s got bad bruising, and has also stretched his ligaments.

"It will be a slow mend, and he needs time and rest."

Another new face at Crabble, Michael Corcoran misses the Dorchester game with a one-match ban held over from last season, while fellow midfielder Sam Cutler is doubtful after damaging his foot treading on glass at home.

Hayes believes he has a 19-man squad with the "right balance and blend" but still hasn’t decided on his starting eleven at the weekend.

He said: "Everybody is in contention, and I am happy with them all.

"I know a couple weren’t happy they didn’t play against Billericay on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean they won’t play this weekend.

"I look at them all as first team players, and know if I put any of them in I will have no problems. Competition for places will be very strong."

Hayes is setting his sights high again, having just missed out on the play-offs last season, finishing strongly after a poor spell imemediately after their FA Cup exit at Huddersfield in January.

He said: "The ambition of this club is to get promotion, and we want to be up there challenging all season.

"The first two games certainly give us a chance to start with a couple of good results."