HIGHLY-rated midfielder Joe Fitzpatrick deserved to get the nod ahead of Worcester City skipper Danny Jackman, insists manager Carl Heeley.

The talented teenager has been selected in favour of Jackman for City’s last two Vanarama National League North fixtures.

Heeley is a great admirer of the 19-year-old’s ability on the ball, saying he is a “joy to watch” and admitted he was keen to give him another “little run” in the team.

Fitzpatrick joined Worcester from Mansfield Town in the summer although he is still part of the League Two outfit’s under 21 team.

After starting City's first four games, Fitzpatrick lost his place as Heeley turned to Jackman to help steer his side clear of trouble.

But Fitzpatrick, who was part of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy, made his first appearance in over a month when he replaced Jackman in the starting line-up to face Boston United.

After securing a 0-0 draw, the promising youngster retained his spot and assisted for Colby Bishop’s late goal in City’s 4-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.

“Joe is a joy to watch when he gets hold of the football,” he said.

“I have plumped to give him a little run over our skipper and that’s how highly we rate him because Danny is a top player.

“I just felt Joe deserved another chance, something to freshen it up after the FA Cup defeat.

“It is no reflection on the boys who came out if the side. Just sometimes that hunger of not playing gives you another burst and he has done great for us and long may that continue.”

Without the presence of Junior English, who has a back problem, in midfield, Heeley decided to partner Fitzpatrick with 24-year-old Ebby Nelson-Addy.

The duo struggled to impose themselves in the opening period before Nelson-Addy broke the deadlock just before the break.

Lee Hughes added a second on the hour mark before Bishop and Cieron Keane scored in the final three minutes.

Heeley said: “It’s down to confidence. Once you get goals and you are in the ascendancy, all the confidence flows — that’s just human nature.

“There were a lot of young lads out there and when they get their confidence up and start moving the ball like they did (on Saturday) they are a very good side.

“But they will go through spells when they concede sloppy goals.”

City travel to second-placed Darlington on Saturday (3pm).