JOINT-boss John Snape revealed he had received "very positive" feedback over the prospect of captain Brad Birch remaining with Worcester City.

Birch, who starred on his comeback from a four-match ban in Saturday's 4-1 victory over Stourport Swifts, is the subject of an approach from Midland League Premier Division promotion rivals and landlords Bromsgrove Sporting.

Snape vowed not to stand in the way of his skipper talking to Sporting counterpart Paul Smith and the decision to waive the standard seven-day notice period appears to have paid dividends.

"I have been in touch with Brad since the weekend and the indications were very positive over him staying," said Snape. "I have made clear how much I want him at Worcester City. Hopefully, the situation will get cleared up quickly."

One player who is set to exit City – albeit temporarily – is full-back Hamilton Chiwara.

The ex-Kidderminster Harriers teenager seems set to join AFC Wulfrunians having found himself out of the first-team picture since September.

Summer signing Chiwara debuted from the bench at Coventry United in August, the first of three substitute appearances in four games prior to being handed a start in the 8-0 walloping of Quorn.

He retained his place at Littleton in the League Cup and at Boldmere St Michaels in the FA Vase in the next seven days but was taken out of the firing line and reverted to under-21 duty.

“Hamilton spoke to me about his frustration over not playing first-team football,” said Snape.

“At first I was against the idea of him going anywhere but I don’t want to stand in anyone’s way. He wants to show what he can do.

“He is still very much our player and we will be looking to him in the future. Hamilton has a great mindset and is a very nice kid but in a way that can be a small criticism too.

“His personality has a lot of good traits and if he can toughen up a little then he is perfectly capable of becoming a very good player. I hope he can go out and get some minutes playing against men.

“He has been brilliant for the under-21s and has not let us down when playing for the first team but I look at our full-backs from Saturday and see how well they join in the play. That was key for us and will be in how I want us to play."

Riley Keasey struck in the third minute of added time as City's youngsters maintain top spot in Midland League Under-21 West with a 2-1 home win over their Continental Star counterparts on Saturday. Myles Simpson was also on the score sheet.