FEW comebacks can have been more unexpected in recent years than the return of Paul Hayward to St George's Lane.

The vastly-experienced goalkeeper has returned to Worcester City after a 14-year break, answering an SOS call from manager John Barton to cover for the injured Danny McDonnell.

And the 36-year-old showed he's lost none of his ability with a faultless display during their goalless draw with Bath City on Monday, including a crucial injury-time save to rescue a point.

Hayward said of his comeback: "I enjoyed it. I didn't really have a great deal to do but that was probably because the defence played so well. I was quite pleased to come out with a clean sheet."

But Hayward, who was the first 'keeper Barton targeted in his hunt for a replacement for McDonnell, expects his latest stint at Worcester will be a brief one, with McDonnell expecting a quick return to action and his deputy Paul Wyatt due to return from holiday this weekend.

Hayward said: "The way things were, I was just signing to help out for the Bath game. If John needs me to help out again, whatever will be, will be."

Hayward's return revives a playing link with the great days of the late, great Nobby Clark -- City's most successful manager ever who signed him as a 19-year-old back in 1983.

He started his career as a trainee at Walsall and went on to Paget Rangers before beginning a two-and-a-half year stint at St George's Lane.

He was City's regular 'keeper during their final two years in what is now the Conference, making his debut as a 19-year-old.

Hayward figured in their last victory over Football League opposition in the FA Cup, a first round replay success against Aldershot in November 1983, when current coach Mick Tuohy and head of scouting Graham Selby were among his team-mates.

He left during the 1985-86 season -- City's first back in the Southern League -- for Kidderminster Harriers, and has played for several clubs since, including Hednesford, Nuneaton and Stafford.

Hayward added: "Although we got relegated, I classed it as a privilege to play for a club like Worcester, especially with all the history the club has got.

"The Aldershot game down here was certainly one of the most memorable I have played in."

He had recently been training with Bilston Town, and played against City in a pre-season friendly.

But increased work commitments meant that he had not signed for anybody for this season until City stepped in.

Hayward says the presence of some of former team-mates was not really a factor in persuading him to return to City.

He added: "That sort of thing has never bothered me -- I am just one of those players who enjoys playing.

"I have seen Graham Selby on and off over the years and also Mick at the various clubs he has been involved with. Worcester is always one of the first results I look for."

Even if he's not at the club for long, Hayward believes City can have a big say in this season's Dr Martens League Premier Division title race.

He added: "It would be nice to see them back in the Conference, and I can't see why they can't challenge on Monday's performance playing against one of the better sides in the league."