PAUL Carty claims his excellent form for Worc-ester City is down to the fact that he is enjoying his football.

The 33-year-old midfielder has been a tower of strength in City's midfield this season, even though he has missed half of their games through a broken toe.

His excellent display on his return at Cambridge City last week was a key factor in an excellent 3-2 victory for John Barton's men.

It's all a far cry from last Dec-ember when Carty went out on a month's loan to Nuneaton Borough after being slapped on the transfer list, and his days at St George's Lane looked numbered.

Carty had struggled to make an impact since his move from Hed-nesford on the eve of last season, mainly through having to play in the unfamiliar position of full-back.

But when he returned after his loan spell at Nuneaton, Andy Ellis' broken leg opened up a berth in his favoured central midfield role - and he has not looked back since, being taken off the transfer list in the summer and filling in as captain on occasions.

Carty, whose former clubs also include Bromsgrove Rovers, said: "I am enjoying my football, and that is what it's all about. If you enjoy your football it reflects on the park.

"I've always said that I wanted to play for Worcester."

Of his midfield role, he added: "I played over 300 games in the Conference in that position - that's the position that I'm most familiar with and where I enjoy playing most."

Carty believes City are well equipped to make a strong challenge for the Dr Martens League Premier Division title this season.

He said: "It is a bit early to say, but we have played against some of the top sides and haven't looked out of place. There is more balance to the team this year. We just have to find more consistency.

"If we don't concede goals we always look capable of scoring at the other end."

Barton is in no doubt as to his importance to the side, saying: "There is no doubt that he is a big influence.

"Since he moved into midfield and came back from Nuneaton at the end of his loan period, his attitude and application to the job have been first-class. He was sorely missed when he was out with his injury."