WORCESTER City assistant manager Matt Gardiner believes midfielder Ellis Deeney deserves a shot at a higher level.

Gardiner thinks defender Graham Hutchison’s departure to higher-graded Halifax should be seen as a testament to the hard work being carried out by City.

He accepts supporters could feel disappointed to lose a key player but says City should not step in the way of career progression.

“There’s little doubt our FA Cup run put our players in the spotlight and it’s interesting when you remember when you first spotted these guys playing,” he said.

“In some cases, it might have been five leagues below.

“If you look at some of the younger players then I think Deeney, Sean Geddes and Tyler Weir are all capable of playing at a higher level and it’s satisfying they are playing at Worcester.

“Ellis is spot-on with how he handles himself and his attitude. He’s someone who deserves a chance to play higher.

“I played at Hereford United under Graham Turner and he did a fantastic job at the club. He gave youngsters an opportunity before selling the likes of Paul Parry and Gavin Williams to bigger clubs.

“I think it’s good business if you can get the best out of a young player and provide them with a chance to progress.”

Carl Heeley’s men are preparing for Saturday’s Severn derby against Gloucester City in the Vanarama Conference North at Aggborough (3pm).

City will be without Hutchison, a signing who Gardiner indentified for Heeley.

“Hutch was young and just out of Birmingham City and I convinced him to come to Worcester and play part-time football,” said Gardiner.