WORCESTER City's hopes of signing new on-loan full-back Allan Davies on a permanent basis have been dashed.

Davies, who has been recruited for a month from Burton Albion, will make his City debut in tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division home clash with Ilkeston Town (3pm).

But Burton have said they are not interested in letting him come to St George's Lane permanently.

City boss John Barton said: "I haven't discussed it with Nigel Clough, but that is the line that has come out from their end.

"He needs games and that is why Burton have agreed he can come. But they still see him as a valuable member of the playing staff at Eton Park and don't want to lose him.

"They control the situation and that is something we have to abide by. It is a straight 28-day loan period and we will see what transpires during that time."

Barton is confident that the 28-year-old, who has made almost 450 appearances at Burton, will do a good job for his side, although he is cup-tied and can't play in Monday's FA Umbro Trophy second round replay with Hendon.

He added: "He is a more than accomplished full-back at this level. He did an excellent job when I was at Burton and I am sure he will do the same for us."

Martin Weir could also make a return to the Worcester starting line-up in a possible change of formation owing to injuries.

It would be the central defender's first start in a league match since September, having been sidelined with a knee injury.

Defender Andy Bradley (back) and winger Mike Wyatt (calf) are almost certainly ruled out and midfielder Ian Cottrill (calf) and striker Carl Tranter (ankle) both face fitness tests.

Barton is considering introducing Weir as a third central defender alongside in-form pair Mark Tucker and Carl Heeley, with Davies and left-back Nathan Jukes pushing forward more.

City will be looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend's 1-0 defeat at leaders Burton, which dropped them to ninth place in the table.