WORCESTER City manager John Barton has boosted his injury-hit squad with the capture of midfielder Leon Jackson.

The 23-year-old has signed from Dr Martens Western Division outfit Bilston Town for what the club called a 'substantial fee'.

Jackson, whose signature was sought by several clubs, has been tracked by City for 18 months.

He is the nephew of former St George's Lane favourite Joe Jackson, who was until recently his manager at Queen Street.

The midfield player, who had a spell on trial with Hereford United in the summer, spent four years with the Steelmen but the Black Country club has recently been in upheaval with Steve Daley replacing Joe Jackson as manager and bringing in nine new players.

Barton said he was delighted to bring a new face into the dressing room.

"It always sharpens the place up and creates competition for places," he said.

"We first enquired about him 18 months ago but Bilston didn't want to let him go at a fee that we could do business at.

"Obviously Joe Jackson has left and things have changed drastically and as a result of that we have been able to sign him.

"He's an athletic type of player that gets around the pitch and will get from box to box.

"He has plenty of appetite and hunger and that is the kind of player we're looking for -- footballers with enthusiasm."

City have dropped their interest in Bedworth United centre-half James Richardson but have upped an offer for his team-mate Adam Webster after the club rejected a second offer for the duo.

Barton also hinted that he was close to landing two loan signings in time for Saturday's home Dr Martens Premier Division game with Newport County.

The club can bring in two loan signings and Barton has four options but is waiting until later in the week to see how the injury situation is before making a final decision.

Andy Ellis, who was carried off with an ankle injury after an ugly challenge in Monday's clash with Moor Green in the Worcestershire Senior Cup, could be out for six weeks.

Hospital X-rays showed no break but early diagnosis suggested there was damage to the ligaments although the full extent will be revealed when the swelling goes down.

Cash-strapped Hereford United have been handed a boost by BSkyB who will televise their Nationwide Conference clash at leaders Boston United on Monday, February 18. It will be their third appearance on live television this season.