WORCESTER City's new signing Darren Middle-ton spent 11 years at Aston Villa honing his skills with the likes of Dwight Yorke, Andy Townsend and Steve Staunton.

The 22-year-old was at Villa from aged nine to 20 but found it difficult to break into the first team with two players competing for every position.

He decided to take a chance away from Villa Park and spent a short spell at Wolves before his progress was again hampered by squad re-building.

But his deft skill and touch -- testimony to his Villa heroes' influence - did not escape the attentions of City manager John Barton, who snapped up the forward after Kidderminster Harriers boss, Jan Molby, decided not to sign him despite a series of impressive trial performances during pre-season.

"I worked hard over the summer to get back into full-time football and it was disappointing not to have succeeded with Kidderminster but I understand their situation," he said.

"I think my ambition is still to get back into the Football League and my dream has not gone away.

"I'm semi-professional now and have a few coaching options and you never know what's round the corner. If someone comes in for me great but I just want to do the best for Worcester.

"John Barton had been in touch before I went to Harriers and I liked what he was saying and it has been great to be playing regularly again.

"Worcester are definitely a sleeping giant and the lads are brilliant and loyal and I've settled in well.

"My dad, Harry, played here in the 1960s too and has been to see me play and it has brought lots of memories back for him."

Middleton believes his best position is as striker but he's enjoyed his new role in the team playing behind front men Mark Owen and Phil Stant. "I've been more of a utility player so far but have been playing behind the front two which is a great position," he said.