WORCESTER City are poised to sign defender Allan Davies on loan for a second month.

The 28-year-old Burton Albion player has impressed during his first four weeks at St George's Lane, and City manager John Barton hopes to tie up the extension today to ensure his availability for Saturday's league game at Moor Green.

Barton said: "He has improved us and given us another option going forward, and his distribution from the back has been good.

"We are trying to improve the team and everybody will agree that during the month Allan has done that."

Barton could pursue a permanent move for Davies in the summer. "He is contracted to Burton until the end of the season with a testimonial game to come, but if they are looking to unload him then we would be interested."

Meanwhile, midfielder Andy Ellis says he is delighted to be back in action.

Ellis played the whole of City's 1-1 draw with Rushden and Diamonds in the Central Conference last night -- his first match since breaking his leg a year ago.

He said afterwards: "It was nice to play a whole game because I didn't think I would get through the whole 90 minutes."

He hopes he will soon be in first team contention. "My general fitness is not far away -- it's just match practice I need."

Defender Chris Greenman also returned after a six-week lay-off with a dislocated shoulder, while another boost for Worcester was the return to scoring form of striker Micky Cotter, who gave City the lead with a blistering 25-yard drive.

Goalkeeper Paul Wyatt kept Rushden at bay, but was beaten with virtually the last kick of the game by David Town's penalty.