CARETAKER boss John Snape has backed Kuda Muskwe to play a “key” role in Worcester City’s fight for survival in Vanarama National League North.

The forward, who has joined on loan from Rotherham United until the end of the season, made his debut in Worcester’s 1-0 loss at AFC Telford United last Saturday.

Snape said the 19-year-old gave City “energy” and “drive going forward” in an "excellent" first-half showing at the New Bucks Head Stadium.

“Kuda has only trained twice with us due to commitments at Rotherham and his slight hamstring injury,” Snape said.

“But I thought he was excellent in the first half.

“He has only missed a week, but I thought he came into the side and gave us a little bit of energy and drive going forward.

“He was able to run in behind, so he has done OK.”

Muskwe made way for 16-year-old striker Callum Devlin with nine minutes remaining as Snape felt he started to tire.

But he insists the Zimbabwe-born frontman will “definitely start” up front against Curzon Ashton at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground on Saturday (3pm).

The Blue and Whites are two points above third-from-bottom Gainsborough Trinity with five games left.

“Wrongly or rightly, he tired towards the end and that’s why I brought him off,” Snape said.

“But he put in a good shift and all being well he will definitely start next weekend.

“I have no problem with his fitness as he is as fit as a butcher’s dog, so he is ready.

“He just needs to get some more minutes to get to know the players that we have got in the short space of time he is here.

“We have got five games left, so that’s seven-and-a-half hours of football to go and get some results and he will be key to that.”