LIAM McDonald is relishing being part of the first-team picture at Worcester City.

The 19-year-old midfielder, a product of City's Academy, has been a revelation since coming into the team back in January and has been a key figure in their rise to third place in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

His performances were rewarded this week when he signed a new contract to take him through to the end of next season, along with fellow Academy graduate Dan Parker.

And McDonald is happy with the way he's been playing after patiently waiting for his chance.

He said: "I have been waiting for virtually half the season and I just had to make sure that when I got my chance, I took it. You sometimes have doubts but I have always thought I was good enough."

He says that playing alongside the experienced John Snape in midfield has been of huge benefit to him. "He helps me so much talking to me and things like that. Other people like Carl Heeley are also good in that respect."

With City's squad now getting close to full fitness, McDonald realises he now faces a tough battle for a place in the starting line-up.

He added: "It is going to be difficult as it's not just Jai Stanley but David Foy and Darren Middleton to come in as well. There's quite a lot of competition so we'll just have to see what happens."

McDonald, who had a spell with Rushden and Diamonds before arriving at St George's Lane, says he's loving his first year as a regular member of the City squad.

He said: "Even when I wasn't playing it's still been good. I was a bit quiet at first but I've settled in properly now especially since I've been playing - I feel more part of the team now."

McDonald feels City can get back in the thick of the title race. He added: "We certainly still have a chance. We will definitely be up there at the end of the season.

"We have hit form at the right time and the teams at the top have started to slip up.

"Not long ago we were in mid-table trying to make sure we stayed in the top 13 - now we are looking to try and win the league. If we can keep this run going, you never know."

With no first-team game for City today, McDonald is earmarked for a reserve team outing at home to Gresley Rovers in the Midland Combination.