DARREN Middleton is set to step into the size 10 shooting boots of Mark Owen for Worcester City's Dr Martens Premier Division clash with Tiverton Town tomorrow (3pm).

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder will have the job of deputising for the stricken Owen who broke his leg in two places and dislocated his ankle in City's FA Cup win last weekend.

He looks set to link up with veteran forward Phil Stant, subject to the former Hereford United hitman overcoming a sore knee picked up against St Blazey.

After their successful FA Cup exploits in Cornwall, City boss John Barton is warning his team to keep their eye on the ball and not lose sight of their League goals.

"Hopefully we make progress in the cup competitions but if we do there are going to be Saturday's when sides not involved in the cup can pick up league points and it can distort the league table," he said.

"We don't want to be in a poorer position as a result of being successful in the cups so we need to be greedy and keep our position while we are involved in the cup competitions.

"It's important to remember that after the cup there is a league game because you can look too far ahead and take your eye off the ball so this is an important match for us."

Barton, who is bidding to bring in a new player, looks set to play Middleton up front with Mark Shepherd starting a three-match ban.

"As it stands at the moment I think we will push Darren up front, which is his preferred position," he said.

For Middleton, it is an opportunity to show what he can do as an out-and-out striker despite enjoying his new midfield role handed to him by Barton.

"It is different playing with your back to goal but it is something I am familiar with and that I really enjoy," said Middleton.

"At the start of the season John talked about me finding my best position and I have adapted nicely to that midfield position because you get more involved in the play and also arrive in the box from deep."

But Middleton admitted it would hard following in Owen's footsteps.

"I don't think anyone can fill his boots but we have to adapt and get on with the games starting with Tiverton and hopefully enjoy a successful cup run as well," he added.

New midfielder Darren Bullock is set to make his debut, but Paul Carty is struggling to be fit with an Achilles injury while Ian Cottrill (knee) did not train on Wednesday.

Worcester (from): Wyatt, Davies, Heeley, Burrow, Jukes, Cottrill, Holloway, Ellis, McFarlane, Bullock, Stant, Middleton, Weir, Hyde, Goodman.