WORCESTER City manager John Barton has saluted Steve Lutz's role in the club's recent revival.

Since the 20-year-old came into the side to partner Mark Owen up front, City have won four matches in a row.

Lutz, who scored the winner against Ilkeston on Saturday, will keep his place for City's tough Dr Martens League Premier Division game at high-flying Burton Albion tonight (7.30).

Barton said: "Steve has been outstanding for a few games now, and the spirit that people tell me perhaps wasn't here earlier in the season is there now.

"That has passed through the side from his performances up front - it has been infectious.

"I was delighted he got his reward on Saturday. He had had a few chances and he needed a goal."

Tonight's game is subject to a pitch inspection later today, although Burton officials are optimistic it will go ahead.

City will try to move further away from the danger zone, having climbed out of the bottom four for the first time this season on Saturday.

It also gives Barton a return visit to the club he managed for more than four years before being replaced by former Nottingham Forest star Nigel Clough last year.

He said: "I always look forward to going back. OK, we didn't land the ultimate prize of the championship while I was there, but we had two third places, had cup runs and won trophies."

He appreciates Clough's side, currently third in the table, will pose another stern test for City. They drew 2-2 at St George's Lane back in August.

Barton added: "They are a good side and are in a position in the league where they deserve to be.

"It is the same severity of the challenge as it was on Saturday but it will be a different type of game. They are more of a football purist's team and it will be interesting to watch.

"It is another challenge for us. We came through one on Saturday which we were all pleased about."

City have no fresh injuries, although Barton said: "There are a couple of tactical things I want to consider which may possibly mean altering the selection.

"You are always looking to try and improve on what you have got, and as a manager you always must try to do that, but the response from the players has been excellent."

Worcester (from): Watson, Sandeman, Willetts, Tucker, Weir, Ellis, Deakin, Cottrill, Owen, Lutz, Knight, Purdie, Heeley, Bowen, Davies, Jukes, Richards.