Man of the match Jamie Lawrence has withdrawn from Jamaica's World Cup qualifier in El Salvador on Wednesday.

The in-form midfield player who walked away from Valley Parade clutching a bottle of champagne, said: "I have got a sore back and a slight hamstring strain so it wasn't worth me travelling. It was a joint decision made by myself and the club."

Lawrence, who is delighted with his own form, is also optimistic about City's prospects despite another defeat.

He said: "If we can keep doing what we have done today we won't be too far short of staying up.

"We battered Everton but they scored against the run of play. Football is a cruel game. We have had a good spirit all season, but we were more of a unit against Everton.

"The system employed by Stuart McCall worked well and we are due to hammer someone soon.

"We have all got our pride, we want to stay in the Premiership and I think we are working on the right lines.

"The players up front have scored at every level and as soon as they start scoring for us we will be on our way.

"If you put in 100 per cent you cannot be disappointed, but after this defeat we must start all over again. Still, I am optimistic."

There has been a sharp upturn in fortunes for Lawrence in the last few weeks after his future at Valley Parade looked to be in doubt during the close season.

He went on the transfer list at his own request in July and then missed the first six weeks of the season through injury before regaining his place in the side.

But he said: "I have come off the list now and I want to stay at the club. I have been playing well since I got back in the team and I believe I am playing the best football of my career."