Peter Thorne will NOT face Macclesfield at Valley Parade on Saturday.

City's new striker has made only two pre-season outings as he battles against the effects of a slight hip problem.

Boss Stuart McCall reckons it would be "crazy" to pitch the 34-year-old straight into battle against the Silkmen in the League Two curtain-raiser.

"Peter is desperate to be involved and he's been to every pre-season game with us, including the likes of North Ferriby," said McCall.

"He's been good in the dressing room and wants to be part of what we are doing here but he's got to bide his time.

"Peter is in great shape and has done all the fitness tests but he's got this little niggle at the top of the hip, which can happen in pre-season.

"It's not like Saturday is a cup final and it's a long season. It would be crazy to throw him in for the Macclesfield game after just a couple of days' training.

"As anxious as he is to get going, we've got to be patient. We are monitoring the situation."

Centre half Matt Clarke is also struggling to be ready as he waits for his injured hamstring to mend, though he could be back in time for the Carling Cup trip to Wolves next Wednesday.

Trialist Alex Rhodes has another chance to impress McCall tomorrow when City play a reserve friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.

McCall wants to see a bit more of the former Brentford winger, who has appeared in the last two warm-up matches, before deciding whether to offer him a contract.

He said: "We've had him a week and he's played a game and a half but it's a short time to make a decision. He's going to play a part in the practice game and then I'll probably sit down with him.

"Alex has fitted in well and he's been more than happy to come back. He could be a possibility to give us competition for places in the wide areas.

"I know of him from a couple of years ago before he was out with quite a long-term injury. He recently spent a month up at Darlington and expected to get something but the manager changed his mind on the last day, for whatever reason.

"But I think Alex has done quite well in training and showed good flashes in the games, so we're having another look."

l Former City loan striker David Graham has joined Gillingham on a one-year deal.

Graham, who was released by Sheffield Wednesday last week, scored three goals in his five-month stay at Valley Parade last season.

Gills boss Ronnie Jepson said: "Signing players of David's ability shows that we want to have a right go."

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