THE broken leg unfortunately suffered by Worcester City midfielder Andy Ellis has handed Paul Carty an unexpected reprieve.

The 33-year-old, a summer signing from Hednesford Town, looked on his way out of the club when he was transfer-listed shortly after new manager John Barton's arrival.

A month's loan at Nationwide Conference high-fliers Nuneaton Borough didn't end with a permanent move.

But, on his return to St George's Lane, he was given an unexpected chance a central midfield role by Ellis' injury.

And he grabbed his opportunity by scoring three times in successive games - including a spectacular winner at Burton and a crucial equaliser in their FA Trophy victory over Bromley.

Now he's keen to stay at the club - although he remains on the transfer list - and wants to help in their fight to pull away from the relegation zone and to make further progress in the Trophy.

The former Bromsgrove Rovers player said his spell at Nuneaton proved beneficial to him.

"They have a big squad, and I knew before I went there that it was just an opportunity to play in midfield and help them with an injury crisis they've had. It was good for me, it sharpened me up a bit, and I think it has helped both parties."

Carty alternated between right and left-back in the early part of the season under Graham Allner's management and, consequently, struggled to make an impact.

But now he's playing in the position where he feels most at home.

"I'm quite happy to stay here. I haven't particularly said that I want to leave, but I want to play in midfield and I'm emphasising the fact with the goals I'm scoring.

"There's still competition for places, so the pressure's on to do the business every week. I just have to keep my head down and keep working hard for the team."

He believes that Barton can lead City away from danger.

"He has done a few things differently to the previous manager and it is paying dividends. The camp's still strong - there has always been a good team spirit here - and everyone's pulling together."