PAUL Hayward has answered an SOS call from Worcester City to play in tonight's Dr Martens League Premier Division clash with Bath City at St George's Lane (7.45).

The veteran former City goalkeeper has been signed as cover following Danny McDonnell's sending-off and injury in Saturday's 2-1 win at Tamworth.

Hayward, who played for City back in the mid-1980s and whose other clubs include Nuneaton, Hednesford and Redditch, had been training with Bilston but was not registered with a club.

McDonnell's deputy Paul Wyatt is currently on holiday -- a situation Barton knew about when Wyatt signed a contract with City back in May.

Barton said of Hayward: "He was the first telephone call I made, and he was more than happy to help us out.

"We were lucky to get someone as experienced as him to fill in for us. He has always done well against my sides."

The injury to McDonnell, who was sent off on a stretcher after colliding with former City striker Gary Smith on Saturday, is not as bad as was first feared.

He suffered concussion and needed stitches in both his mouth and chin, but is hopeful of being fit for Saturday's home clash with Stafford. He will miss the trip to Ilkeston on September 2 through suspension.

Barton added: "I spoke to him yesterday and he is very upset that he got sent off for the incident. There was no need for there to be any controversy -- even Gary Smith admitted that he was offside.

"He is optimistic that he wants to play on Saturday, but when concussion and stitches are involved, we will have to see how the week progresses."

Apart from McDonnell, City are likely to stick to the side that won at Tamworth, with defender Martin Weir unlikely to have recovered from the groin problem that kept him out.

Barton added: "We will give him a few days' rest again, involve him in training on Thursday and take his progress from there."

City expect a large crowd as they look to build on their first opening day success in four seasons, against a Bath side who also won their first game.

Barton said: "To start the game like we did and to show the resilience that we did at the end was very pleasing for everybody. But we have only won the first game."

Worcester (probable): Hayward, Bradley, Jukes, Tucker, Heeley, Carty, P. Wyatt, Cottrill, Owen, Lutz, Reed. Subs: Deakin, Joyce, Hyde.