LIAM McDonald is winning new fans every time he pulls on the blue and white striped shirt of Worcester City.

In just three starts the midfielder has established a promising partnership with John Snape, helping the St George's Lane club shed its festive hangover to take two wins from three games.

McDonald has had to be patient but is intent on making the most of his opportunity as witnessed by his hand in three of the goals in the victory against Redditch United.

His progress is also another feather in the cap for the work Ray Woods is doing with the fledgling academy scheme at St George's Lane.

If you're good enough, you're old enough is the footballing maxim often trotted out by those keen on giving young blood its head and McDonald seems to be proof of that.

He looks more accomplished with every match and while not a natural tackler, his eye for a pass, composure on the ball and ability to break into the box are there for all to see.

City boss John Barton is happy with his impact.

"Liam's had to wait patiently and is forever telling me that he's got splinters in his backside but he's come in and taken his chance which is what you want people to do," he said.

"He gives us balance in the sense that he's left footed and he can take stuff from the left hand side but can let the ball run across him and go the other way. He also sees things and gives us a bit of creativity."

If McDonald's young legs have earned a pat on the back from Barton, City's boss is also quick to praise what he believes is a rejuvenated Snape who at the other end of the spectrum is showing, that despite his advancing years, he has still got what it takes.

"One big plus has been John Snape who in the last month has been producing the form that he was showing up until his injury at Tamworth last season," said Barton.

"He's been very influential. I've heard people saying that time is catching up with him, that his legs have gone -- all the standard cliches but applying that theory then Bobby Moore's legs went when he was 16!

"John's never been a whippet around the pitch but he's got other attributes. I can't remember whether it was the fourth or fifth goal against Redditch but it started with him winning a header in a situation that nobody else would have risked sticking their head into.

"John's never shirked anything during his time here and never will."