PAUL Carty is preparing to stake a claim for Worcester City's left-back spot in the coming Dr Martens Premier Division campaign.

No player has succeeded in making the position entirely their own since the days of Jason Burnham who didn't miss a game for three years.

But Carty, who enjoyed a string of games their last season, is eager to try and fill the role on a regular basis as City attempt to improve on consecutive eighth place finishes.

Though midfield is his preferred position Carty is happy with a defensive role and hoping to enjoy a further run in the team if he can steer clear of injury.

"I can see myself competing for the left-back spot with whoever comes in," he said.

"I had a pretty slow start to the season last year after I got injured in pre-season and was playing catch up.

"But once I got fit I had a decent run in the side.

"I'm looking forward to this year and I think we can build on last year though I don't want to make any predictions," said the full-back.

Away from the football pitch Carty has been completing a post-graduate teaching course and in September takes up a post as Physical Education teacher in Halesowen.

It is a job he clearly is looking forward to -- almost as much as the start of City's Dr Martens Premier campaign.

"It is a great career and is very rewarding with benefits on a daily basis," he said.

Back on the football front Carty will be locking horns with former boss Graham Allner next week for City's first pre-season friendly.

Allner brought Carty to St George's Lane from Hednesford Town and the pair remain on friendly terms.

"It's a shame what happened with Graham because I'd waited four or five years to work with him but didn't really get the chance," he said.

The former Kidderminster Harriers' manager is poised to bring a strong team to St George's Lane, according to Carty.

"I spoke to Mark Yates the other day and he thought they would be bringing a fairly strong side, if not the first team," he added.