MARK Owen is poised to return as Worcester City bid to secure their Dr Martens League Premier Division safety tomorrow.

Worcester's 27-goal star striker, who has missed City's last three games with a hamstring injury, should be in the 14 for the home clash with Tamworth (3.00).

Manager John Barton, however, may be content to use him as a substitute and stick with on-loan pair Anton Thomas and Richard Burgess up front.

Barton said: "Mark has done a lot of work and trained last night with a view to being involved at some stage tomorrow."

Mark Tucker will return in the centre of defence after a motorway hold-up prevented him playing at Margate last week.

Teenage prospect Jamie Hyde should make his full home debut after again impressing at Margate.

Winger Jon Purdie is doubtful with a groin problem while fellow wide man Keith Knight and midfielder Nathan Jukes re-main sidelined.

City, who visit Gloucester City on Monday, will finally be mathematically safe from the drop if they win tomorrow and rivals Grantham Town fail to beat champions-elect Boston United. But they have failed to win in their last four home matches.

Barton said: "Little steps have been made in the last few weeks and tomorrow we could take another that could mathematically ensure our status."

Worcester (from): Watson, Sandeman, Willetts, Tucker, Cottrill, Weir, Carty, Deakin, Burgess, Thomas, Lutz, Hyde, Purdie, Owen, Frost.