WAYWARD striker Sam Bowen has been slapped on the transfer list by Worcester City.

The 23-year-old was put up for sale after talks with manager John Barton last night.

He will not be involved in the squad for tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division trip to runaway leaders Boston United (3.00).

Barton was upset at Bowen's sending-off less than 20 minutes into last week's FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Telford for use of the elbow, although the City boss said that was not the only reason for listing the player.

He said: "We had a conversation after the league game at Burton in January when he was left out, and he said then that he would like to go on the transfer list.

"At that stage I thought it was a little bit presumptuous, but further conversations have transpired that indicated he wanted to leave at the end of the season anyway."

Bowen's contract is due to expire at the end of this season, but by listing him now Worcester will be able to get a transfer fee for him and would give Barton scope to bring in a replacement.

The 23-year-old, who joined City from Merthyr Tydfil two seasons ago, has scored 53 goals in 97 appearances for City, 15 of them this season despite missing more than two months with an ankle injury.

Steve Lutz will again partner 24-goal top scorer Mark Owen up front tomorrow, with City likely to stick with the side that beat Cambridge City 3-2 on Monday.

Barton's men, who have another vital home game with Halesowen on Monday, face a stiff test tomorrow against a free-scoring Boston side who are 15 points clear at the top.

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