JOINT-boss John Snape revealed how Jordan Stoddart’s pride in representing Worcester City had driven the defender up his transfer wish list.

The Worcester-based centre-half completed his much-anticipated switch from Cirencester Town this week, a move that signals a drop of one level despite playing all bar one match for his previous club this term.

Swindon-based Alexandru Albert seemed destined to move the other way as your Worcester News went to press, although City will retain his Midland League registration.

The distances involved had become increasingly prohibitive for Albert over time, heightening Snape’s quest to draft in more defensive cover.

“Physically and mentally, Jordan will bring a presence to the back four,” said Snape.

“Competition for places is important and we know he can be versatile across the backline too which is welcome. He is someone who wants to play here and will take a great deal of pride in representing this club.

“You know you are going to get 100 per cent from Jordan. The fact he was prepared to drop a level when he had been playing regularly spoke volumes for his desire to represent Worcester.

“He is a good size, is very difficult to shake off the ball and most importantly has a great desire to win matches.

“Jordan has been on our radar for some time. We were mindful of the fact the travelling was getting to Alex and Jordan very much fitted the bill.”

Stoddart could ask for no tougher test of his credentials should he debut in today’s FA Vase second round tie at home to Highgate United (3pm).

United sit one place and four points behind City in the Midland League Premier Division and feature 17-goal top scorer Marco Adaggio, 15-goal Lei Brown and ex-Kidderminster Harriers poacher Scott Rickards in an impressive artillery.

City have marksmen Mark Danks and Dave Reynolds back in contention with Josh Sarmento well enough to be considered for selection. Captain Brad Birch serves the third of a four-match ban for his red card in the last round, while winger Alex Tomkinson is cup tied.

“Marco is a proven goal scorer who has a habit of finding the net wherever he goes but we will be concentrating on us and our performance ahead of anything else,” added Snape.

“We have to make sure we are set up correctly and will be doing that. Highgate have been on a great run and will no doubt arrive here full of confidence.

“Like everyone else, they will want to beat us and progress in the FA Vase. This will be a tough game but we have a lot of things in our favour with a fully-fit squad and that competition for places will hopefully up the performance levels from everyone.”

A draw after 90 minutes would trigger extra-time but no penalty shootout.