ANDY Ellis is poised for a shock Worcester City comeback in tonight's Dr Martens League Premier Division game at Salisbury City (7.45).

Manager John Barton plans to include the former Woking midfielder in his 14-man squad, having played only one reserve game since breaking his leg over a year ago.

Barton has brought forward his comeback in a bid to shake up his midfield, having been disappointed with their contribution in recent games.

He said: "Andy is not going to start but he will definitely be in the 14. It is sooner than we anticipated -- we would like to have given him more games but he is happy with it."

Barton says he will make changes to both formation and personnel tonight following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Moor Green, a display that incensed him so much that he ordered the players in for extra training on Sunday morning.

He said: "The performance on Saturday warrants some changes being made. We have to do better in midfield -- that area has been a problem for us for quite a while. It needs addressing and we have addressed it as best we can."

He hopes the players will respond in the right fashion tonight as they chase a victory that could lift them back into fifth place.

Barton added: "We train-ed and had a chat for 45 minutes on Sunday, and I don't think they were left in any doubts as to what was expected of them."

Top scorer Mark Owen faces a late fitness test on a groin injury, but winger Ian Reed is ruled out by a stomach injury.

City face a tough test tonight against a Salisbury side who won 1-0 at St George's Lane back in September.

There will be a precautionary afternoon pitch inspection at Salisbury following overnight frost.

Worcester drew 2-2 with Southam in the Midland Youth League last night. Ben Humber and Gordon Beauchamp were on target.