STEVE Lutz can play a key role for Worcester City as they embark on a crucial weekend -- says manager John Barton.

Lutz is likely to return to an attacking role for tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division game at Havant and Waterlooville (3pm), replacing the suspended Sam Bowen.

The Worcester-born 20-year-old, who has figured in midfield in recent games, was rested from the mid-week Dr Martens Cup defeat at Burton to shake off an ankle knock.

Barton says he may vary his formation slightly but Lutz is most likely to resume his successful partnership with 23-goal top scorer Mark Owen.

Barton said: "What Steve has done when he has played up there has been good. We seem to get a little bit further up the field from defensive situations.

"He holds the ball up quite well for us, and the midfield and the back four need someone who can do that."

Defender Carl Heeley is unlikely to have recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered in last week's home defeat against Bath.

Barton says it is arguably City's most important three days of the season as they bid to bounce back from two successive defeats that have left them two places and three points outside the relegation zone.

Tomorrow's trip to mid-table Havant is followed by a home clash with fellow strugglers Merthyr Tydfil on Monday.

"With us missing out on a league fixture next Saturday because of the Trophy, these two league games take on added importance and extra significance. To win them both is the target.

"Defeats can knock confidence levels and the longer it goes on, the greater that suffers.

"We want to snap back into it and get some more points on the board."

City lost 3-0 at home to Havant back in September, a game remembered mostly for a demonstration by angry fans after the final whistle.

Havant's star striker James Taylor is the top scorer in the entire league with 30 goals.

Barton added: "Burton went there and got beaten 6-0, which is no mean achievement. There is no difference in the degree of difficulty with any of our games between now and the end of the season."

Worcester (from): Watson, Sandeman, Willetts, Tucker, Weir, Carty, Knight, Cottrill, Owen, Lutz, Jukes, Purdie, Deakin, Frost, Heeley, Upton.