WORCESTER City's highly rated goalkeeper Danny McDonnell is back challenging Paul Wyatt for a place after missing the last 18 games through injury.

It's been a blow for the genial McDonnell to sit out so many games, not least because he's a bad watcher.

Now fit again after surviving an epidural and on a diet of pain-killers, the big man has already got one competitive match under his belt and is itching for a return to the first team.

"I'm virtually fit all I need is competitive games. I've only had one and I came through that OK and I'm fit to be picked," he said.

"It's been terrible missing so many matches. I've been very lucky touch wood that I've never missed more than a couple of games on the trot but it's been something like 10 weeks and 20 odd games and it's been a long time.

"I'm not a good watcher and I don't enjoy watching so it has been really difficult especially with the cup run although I've been substitute for the last couple so I've been involved but it's not like playing."

Wyatt has done a sterling job since stepping into McDonnell's shoes, a fact he readily acknowledges.

"I won't disguise the fact that when somebody plays in your position you want to see them do well but not too well," he said.

"Paul's done really well and there's a bit of friendly rivalry bet-ween us and it's shown that there is competition all over the park.

"We train hard together and train well with John Newman and I want to see the team do well but I just want to get back in the team but it's not up to me.

"I'm only in the team if I'm picked and to be fair Paul's done well enough for me not to be picked even when I am 100 per cent fit.

"I'd like to think I can go back in and you have to have the confidence in your own ability."

City boss John Barton has been fulsome in his praise of both players and admits he's never been at a club where he's been blessed with two such good 'keepers.