NICKY FORSTER insists the departure of Harry Baker to rivals Welling will not prove a big factor in the play-off race.

The 21-year-old right-winger showed signs of promise in his 18-month spell at Crabble but too often he was found wanting with his inability to produce a killer ball.

He had bags of pace but Forster looks to have settled on a 4-3-3 formation now and there's no room for Baker.

Baker, who was at Leyton Orient before being signed by Martin Hayes, will always be remembered for his part in Dover's dream FA Cup run last season.

He was the man who got Gillingham's John Nutter sent off as he couldn't handle his pace in the 2-0 win at Priestfield - but things went downhill.

Baker's new club Welling are 10 points and five places ahead of the Whites, who do have a game in hand.

Forster insists the fact they are one of Dover's rivals is no worry,

He said: "He came to us and asked to be released from his contract as he was frustrated he wasn't getting games.

"We made it clear to Harry we weren't looking to get rid of him and that he figured in our plans but he had other ideas."

It looked like Baker was off to join old team-mates Nathan Ashton, Luke I'Anson and Sam Cutler at Thurrock but soon after he was released from his Dover deal he signed for Welling.

Forster said: "The fact Harry's gone to Welling is no big deal.

"He wasn't happy to sit and watch and we've always said if a player doesn't want to be here we'll look to move them on.

"He expressed his desire to leave and I've got no problems with him going to Welling.

"He's a young lad and he wants to play football so good luck to him.

"The criticism I had with Harry is that there was not enough end product and it's been the main thing that's let him down.

"We're also playing a system with no out and out wide men at the moment and that's what he is – so that would have been frustrating for him too."

Dover travel to Farnborough on Saturday with the availability of the season's shining light – left-back Tom Wynter – in doubt.

He was clattered last Saturday against Salisbury and the boss admits because of his ankle injury he's unlikely to make it. Michael Noone could deputise.

Forster said: "Tom's a big doubt while Steve Watt is out for the season.

"It'll be good to get back into action as the two-week spell on the sidelines has been frustrating.

"We trained on Saturday at Aylesham to keep the fitness levels up but the snow has been frustrating.

"I wanted to go and watch Thurrock play Farnborough to do a bit of scouting but that game was called off.

"You don't get many chances to go and watch opposition and it was annoying to miss out on that one.

"Often we're relying on other people's reports so it's good to get your own."