CENTRAL defender Clayton McDonald has joined Worcester City on a one-year deal.

The 26-year-old had a spell at Redditch United last season and is trying to rebuild his career after he was acquitted in the Ched Evans rape case.

McDonald denied a charge of raping a woman in a hotel room in Rhyl in May 2011 and was found not guilty. Evans, who also pleaded not guilty, was convicted.

McDonald, a former Walsall and Port Vale player, is a product of Manchester City’s academy and Kidderminster boss Gary Whild attempted to sign him last season.

At six feet six inches tall, McDonald will bring a presence to City’s squad which was required since the departure of Wayne Thomas.

City joint manager Carl Heeley said: “We have been working on a deal to bring Clayton to the club for a number of weeks and are delighted to bring it to a conclusion.

“We believe that Clayton has the attributes that we are looking for and also has the personal hunger and desire to get back playing football regularly and be successful.”

Heeley added: “He still has his best footballing years ahead of him.”