CHRIS Smith believes Worcester City have wh-at it takes to win promotion from Nat-ionwide North and play at a higher level.

The 25-year-old defender committed himself to the St George's Lane club this week by signing a one-year contract extension until the end of the 2007/08 season.

Smith is confident he can now concentrate on his football and help City achieve their aim of reaching the Con-ference.

Player-manager Andy Pree-ce, who has himself signed a 12-month contract extension, said the club would not stand in Smith's way if a League club came knocking.

But Smith appears focused on his job at City and is confident his ambitions can be fulfilled with Worcester.

He said: "I am delighted to have signed the contract.

"The gaffer said he wanted me to stay and I wanted to sign straight away.

"In the past I have learned not to let things drag on as you never know what can happen.

"I think every footballer should want to play at a higher level otherwise you shouldn't be playing, but I believe I can play at a better standard with Worcester City. I feel we are good enough to move up a league."

Smith, who began his career at Leeds United, joined City from Stafford Rangers in the summer of 2005 and quickly established himself as a key component in Andy Preece's plans.

The versatile operator began the current campaign in the heart of a back-three before being switched to the centre of midfield.

Smith admits he is fond of both roles but thinks he makes more of an impact when selected in defence.

He said: "I started the season well, moved to midfield and was doing OK but in my opinion was I wasn't standing out as much as I would have liked.

"Since I have been playing centre-half I think I have picked up."