WORCESTER City have re-signed their former striker Anton Thomas from Burton Albion.

He goes straight in at the deep end tomorrow in City's Dr Martens League Premier Division clash at struggling Rothwell Town (3pm).

Thomas was a regular scorer during his days with Worcester and has been snapped up by manager John Barton on loan until the end of the season.

After leaving St George's Lane, Thomas moved to Nuneaton Borough and helped them gain promotion to the Nationwide Conference by being leading scorer.

He moved to Burton during the summer, but has been out of favour recently.

Barton moved quickly yesterday to snap up the striker before today's 5pm transfer deadline. He is also hoping to attract another player to the club before the deadline.

Barton declined to name his target who is believed to be from a Football League club.

The City chief said today: "For whatever reason, Anton is out of favour at Burton and we are short up front because of injuries, particularly to Mark Owen."

Owen is suffering from hamstring trouble that he sustained in Monday night's 2-1 home league defeat against table-topping Boston United.

He could be out of action for around two weeks.

Defender Carl Heeley also picked up a serious groin injury against Boston and signs are that he could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Back in the squad tomorrow are midfielder Paul Carty and defender Kevin Willetts.

Former Kidderminster Harriers campaigner Willetts has been out recently with a calf problem while Carty has recovered from a hamstring injury.

Barton said: "We had a good win last Saturday at King's Lynn and turned in an excellent performance in the second half against Boston on Monday.

"We need to carry that on and get the required points we need for safety."