NATHAN Hayward says it is a “perfect situation” to be walking out with Brad Birch in the blue and white of Worcester City.

And he believes their instinctive partnership in central midfield will help City flourish in the Midland League Premier Division this season.

The Worcester-born duo were reunited after being offered the chance to play for their home-town club.

Hayward admits it has been a long time coming for them to link up at Worcester but they are now determined to show what the City faithful have been missing.

“We have known each other since the age of six so we know each other’s game inside out and it comes quite naturally,” said the 25-year-old.

“We played together at a few teams, like at Bromyard Town, but we have always wanted to play for Worcester City “Now we have been given the chance to play in central midfield together it is a perfect situation for the both of us.

“It is a really good feeling walking out with one of your best mates wearing the blue and white shirt.”

Birch, 25, came through the youth ranks at City before spells at Archdales 73, Westfields, Bromyard, Littleton and Stourbridge.

Hayward, meanwhile, went on a different path as he was a trainee at Birmingham City before being snapped up by Kidderminster Harriers in 2008.

He made 14 senior appearances for Harriers before being released in 2010.

After stints at Redditch United, Stourport Swifts, Littleton, Westfields and Bromyard he joined Malvern Town where he scored five goals in 35 appearances last term.

The ex-pupil of the former Elgar Technology College admitted he had “lost faith” in City but he said he was keen to draw a line in the sand after making the switch this summer.

“It was a no-brainer to come to Worcester,” said Hayward.

“I have always wanted to play for City but never had the opportunity along with Brad.

“We have finally been given that and are showing why we should be playing here.

“Brad was part of Worcester and I believe he should have been given a chance before but that’s the way things turned out.

“I played for Kiddy. Things didn’t work out there and I lost my way a bit but I am getting back into football properly having played for Malvern last season.

“I lost faith (in City) because of what happened but the past is the past.

“(Joint managers) Snapper (John Snape) and Hughesy (Lee Hughes) have given me this opportunity now which is fantastic and I am really pleased with how things have turned out.

“My family are really pleased for me as they believe I should have been playing for them a while ago but it is what it is. We can now concentrate on the future.

“The way it is being run with Snapper and Hughesy and everyone else involved with the club has been fantastic so I am really enjoying my football now.

“If we can keep this squad together we can push on for the rest of the season.”

City host Chasetown in the FA Cup preliminary round on Sunday (3pm) after tonight’s league match at home to AFC Wulfrunians.