ASSISTANT manager Mick Tuohy has heaped praise on Worcester City's equivalent of a vintage wine - Paul Carty.

The 36-year-old full-back returns from a two-match suspension for the trip to Grantham Town tomorrow (3pm) and his presence will be a huge bonus according to Tuohy.

"In the time Paul Carty has been at the club he has matured like a good win and has been outstanding this season," he said.

"He's now got a full time teaching job, settled down and got some stability in his life and whereas in the past he could be quite explosive his attitude has been exemplary.

"He's still one of the fittest and it's up to him to keep going now to the end of the season and put in the performances to persuade the gaffer to give him a new contract."

Grantham's South Kesteven Sports Stadium is a happy hunting ground for City who won their last two matches during the Lincolnshire club's previous spell in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

Tuohy also has fond memories of the place and as caretaker boss in January 1999 presided over a 3-0 win with two goals from Mark Owen and a Sam Bowen strike.

It was Tuohy's last match in charge before Graham Allner, watching from the stands on that day, took the reins.

"I remember it vividly," said Tuohy. "Paul Chenoweth had been out for a while and just returned and kept saying 'I'm shattered' but he was outstanding.

"I'm not sure if the team's performance was a thank you to me or a welcome to Graham but it was an encouraging display."

Bowen bagged a brace in a 2-0 victory the following season in which Grantham were relegated but last year they earned another stint in the Premier Division by finishing second to Hastings Town. This is their first meeting with City this season.

The Gingerbreads have endured a mixed return to the Premier Division with early season success giving way to a poor run either side of Christmas in which they picked up just six points from 14 league games.

Third-placed City are now 11 points behind leaders Tamworth, who are on FA Trophy duty at Margate tomorrow.

But Tuohy, fresh from a recent trip to California, has been buoyed by last week's 6-0 mauling of Folkestone.

And as far as the league is concerned he is drawing comfort from his beloved West Bromwich Albion's feats in gaining promotion to the Premiership last season.

"We'll have a few more players available tomorrow and with 12 games to go there is still plenty that can happen," he said.

"As a Baggies fan I never thought last season with 12 or so games to got that we would pip Wolves so we just have to keep hanging in there."

City's reserve team are in action at St George's Lane tomorrow against Rugby United in the Midland Combination Premier Division (2.45).

FORMCAST: City to win by two goals - 2-0.