POWERFUL defender Sam Oji has been “head and shoulders” above his Worcester City team-mates in the last two games, according to manager Carl Heeley.

The 6ft 1in centre-back played a starring role in City’s 4-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday after helping his side claim a 0-0 draw at Boston United the previous weekend.

Heeley hailed Oji’s performances as “outstanding” and praised his “professionalism” having spent time watching on from the bench.

“He is a super professional as he doesn’t complain when he is not playing, waits for his opportunity and he knows he has got to do well to stay in the side as all of the boys have to,” said Heeley.

“But over the last two games I think Sam has been head and shoulders (above the rest). He has been outstanding.”

The 31-year-old, who was part of Arsenal’s academy, played in the Football League for Doncaster Rovers, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient and Hereford United.

After three seasons in Ireland, playing for Limerick and Galway United, Oji returned to England to sign for Worcester this summer.

But his debut will be remembered for two costly mistakes that helped Gloucester City record a 3-2 victory over Worcester in August.

“When Sam first came and signed for us, he struggled to get into his stride as he had been out for so long and did not have a pre-season,” Heeley continued.

“But you can see now what a top-quality player he is. He is very mobile, strong and I thought he was outstanding again.”

Heeley said he was also impressed by the performance of Oji’s centre-back partner Graham Hutchison as City secured a “massive” clean sheet against lowly Stalybridge.

“Sam and Graham had a battle with big Liam Dickenson and Andy Owens,” he said.

“They are big, strong boys, who make you defend. It was a war of attrition.

“But they stood up to it, dealt with it, came and won their headers and in the end they have come out on top.”

Asked why defender Tom Sharpe was not included in the squad, Heeley said: “He wasn’t available for reasons away from football, which I don’t want to talk too much about.”

City’s boss also admitted midfielder Junior English had been ruled out due to a “sciatic nerve” problem with his back.

Heeley added: “Junior wanted to play but he had a little fitness test before and straight away he couldn’t move.”