SUPER saver Danny McDonnell makes his 250th Worcester City appearance tomorrow -- with a glowing tribute from his boss.

McDonnell clocked up 200 City games at Bradford Park Avenue last season and heads northwards once more to pass another career milestone.

The longest serving player currently on City's books, McDonnell has become a hugely popular figure at St George's Lane following his May 2000 move from Halesowen Town.

And Worcester manager Andy Preece recognises the impact of the influential 32-year-old, who recently penned a new two-year contract to stay until the end of the 2007/08 campaign.

"Danny has been a fantastic servant to the club," admits Preece. "He's always reliable and he's been great for us -- that's why he's been rewarded with a new contract.

"He's still young in goalkeeping terms and I'm sure he's got another 250 games under his belt if he keeps working hard.

"I cannot speak highly enough of Danny. In one-on-one situations, which we saw against Redditch on Monday, I just expect him to save it.

"It's a shock if he gets beaten. He's improving too. It's something we've talked about -- his awareness is a lot better. He's been good and he knows he can improve.

"He is so comfortable at this level. He knows he's got the ability to be playing at a higher level and that is where we want to go."

Each time City drop points in their ambitious Nationwide North play-off chase, the next game inevitably gathers extra importance.

Having squandered a two-goal lead to derby rivals Redditch United last Monday, a consequence of Mark Danks' rash sending-off, an immediate recovery in south Cumbria is vital if Worcester are to successfully cut the points deficit on Harrogate and Droylsden.

Phil Wilson's Barrow, three points behind Worcester, are not counting themselves out of the play-off equation yet.

"Barrow have recently changed their manager," said Preece. "He's gone in, tried to make his own mark and they have done OK. At the moment, they are just behind us.

"It's a big game for them. A lot of their players are trying to earn contracts and I'm expecting them to come straight at us."

If at Holker Street, City land their third league victory in four on the road, Preece admits the ready-and-waiting two-game showdown with Stalybridge Celtic will prove pivotal to his side's objectives.

With no fresh injury worries, Preece should name the same side that drew 2-2 against Redditch.

Danks does not start his three-game suspension until the March 25 trip to Hednesford, so is expected to line-up partnering Adam Webster.

Graham Hyde and Liam McDonald both returned to training yesterday after long injury lay-offs, but neither are expected to be fit to play.

Full-back Dennis Pearce, out with a hamstring strain, is out for at least another week.

He added: "Harrogate and Droylsden are the teams we are looking at.

"We've got to play Stalybridge Celtic twice too. Whoever comes off worse out of those two games probably won't make the play-offs."