WORCESTER City manager John Barton says he is delighted to have snapped up highly-rated goalkeeper Danny McDonnell.

Barton has made the Halesowen Town 'keeper his second summer signing after fending off competition from two Nationwide Conference clubs.

The 27-year-old has agreed a three-year contract, having joined on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.

Barton said: "It is a signing that has given everybody at the club a boost at the right time. It is a clear indication of our intent and ambition.

"Over the years he has established himself in Halesowen's first team and is, in my opinion, the best 'keeper in our league.

"The good thing is that he has come to Worcester for the right reasons. It certainly wasn't for financial reasons that he has chosen us -- I think he just felt right that Worcester was the club for him."

Barton revealed that he first enquired about McDonnell, who has also played for Lye Town and Stourbridge, before the transfer deadline, as he did with his other summer signing, Gloucester City winger Mike Wyatt.

"We have had to be very patient on this -- it's not like going to the supermarket, football transfers don't work as easily as that. But our patience has paid off and we are absolutely delighted."

Despite some impressive performances from youngster Danny Watson last season, Barton had been looking to add an experienced 'keeper to his squad.

Barton is confident he could make two more signings this week although he declined to name either of his targets or their positions.

He said: "We are in there for both of them, although one has been offered a contract by his existing club and the other one is under contract at his present club. We should know by the end of the week."

Barton has been able to bring in his newcomers despite restrictions to his budget.

He added: "We are still working within the parameters that we have got, but it just shows what we have managed to achieve."

Barton still plans to monitor the situation with striker Anton Thomas, who spent the last month of the season on loan at City from Burton Albion.

Thomas remains under contract at Burton for another year but Barton is interested in bringing him back to St George's Lane.

None of the players released by Barton has yet found a new club, while there have not been any offers for transfer-listed winger Keith Knight.