MANAGER Carl Heeley says he “would be a fool” not to try and keep “phenomenal” striker Lee Hughes at Worcester City.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City frontman, who turns 40 later this month, has netted 18 times in 34 appearances this season.

Nine of those goals have come in City’s final 12 games, including a late equaliser against high-fliers AFC Fylde last weekend.

Heeley said the club’s top goal-scorer had been key to his side’s hopes of remaining in Vanarama National League North and vowed to do all he could to extend Hughes’ stay.

“He is almost 40, but his work rate is phenomenal and he is a goal-scorer – and they are hard to find,” he said.

“You would be a fool not to want to keep Lee as his goal ratio has been unbelievable.

“He is a local lad, he loves it here and that’s a great start.”

Speaking earlier this year, Hughes said he wanted to play “until he can’t walk” and admitted he enjoyed playing for the exiled club, who will ground-share with Bromsgrove Sporting from next season.

Since making his breakthrough at Kidderminster Harriers in 1994, Hughes has scored more than 200 goals, played in the Premier League with West Brom and moved to Coventry for £5million in 2001.

His career appeared to be over when he was jailed in 2004 for causing death by dangerous driving.

But after serving three years of his six-year sentence, Hughes was released and was snapped up by Oldham Athletic.

Despite his advancing years, Hughes regularly found the back of the net and had a trial at League One side Port Vale last summer before joining City in September. Worcester have already lost one of their goal-scoring threats as ex-Derby County star Deon Burton called time on his 23-year playing career last weekend.

Heeley said the two 39-year-olds were influential members of the club along with former Stoke City centre back Wayne Thomas, 36, and captain Danny Jackman, 33.

“All the lads who have had prolonged professional careers are down to earth characters, they want to be here because they enjoy playing football and it is an absolute credit to them,” he said.

“People who have watched this football club should be privileged they have played for us because they have been great.”

Heeley, whose side finished just two points above the drop zone, said he was also hoping to start talks with Thomas, who played 22 games this term.

“To be honest, I have not discussed it (a new contract) with Wayne yet as we wanted to get the season done and dusted,” he added.

“We have not had the luxury of having a couple of weeks to start talking to players, so we know our destiny now we can start planning for next season.”