MANAGER John Barton has boosted his Worcester City squad with the signing of Asa Charlton from Stourport Swifts.

The 24-year-old left-sided defender will be included for tomorrow's trip to Chelsmford City after agreeing a deal to join the St George's Lane club.

His arrival is the fifth signing of the summer for Barton who is delighted with the latest addition to the ranks and brings the end of a long search for another left-back to provide competition for Paul Carty.

"We have been looking to strengthen the left-hand side and I'm pleased with the two, Michael Blackwood and Asa, that I've brought in," said Barton.

"It's taken time but I didn't want to just jump in and bring anyone in just for the sake of it.

"Asa is young, brimming with enthusiasm and very ambitious and we have given him the opportunity to play at a higher level.

"He's primarily played at left back but can also play central defence and has also played in midfield.

"Paul Carty has made a sound start to the season but Asa's arrival is not only cover for him, it is competition which we wanted."

Charlton began his football career with Kidderminster Harriers' youth team before spells with Willenhall and Telford United.

A football scholarship in America was followed by a return to Rushall Olympic and then Swifts.

Barton is poised to include him on the bench against Chelmsford -- a match in which City have a lot to prove says the St George's Lane manager.

"We didn't do particularly well against them last year, throwing away the points at their place and lacking conviction at Worcester so we have definitely got something to prove," he said. "If we can emerge undefeated it will set us up nicely for Monday's clash with Newport which should be a good game."

Injury doubts surround Blackwood, who played with a badly bruised toe against Tiverton, while Barton is hoping striker Adam Webster will have shrugged off a bug that ruled him out of the same game.