FORMER Premier League striker Lee Hughes has spoken of his desire to remain at Worcester City next season as he aims to continue playing football until he “can’t walk”.

The 39-year-old says he does not see himself easing up anytime soon and hinted his future could lie with the Blue and Whites.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Hughes has featured in the top flight with West Bromwich Albion, moved to Coventry City for £5million and scored goals at every club he has played for.

He now finds himself in Vanarama National League North after a deal to join League One side Port Vale was believed to have broken down in the summer.

And, after pledging his future at City for the remainder of the campaign, Hughes said he was hopeful of extending his stay at Aggborough beyond this season.

“I have really enjoyed it here,” he said.

“The lads have helped me settle in really well and Carl (Heeley), Gards (Matt Gardiner) and Snap (John Snape) have made me feel really welcome.

“Once you get that feeling, you are happy and you can see the end product on the pitch as I have been scoring goals.

“No disrespect but I knew I could do it in this league. I was close to signing for Port Vale in the summer but that never went through because they had some injuries and had to sign for different positions, so in the end I came here.

“As long as I am still fit enough to get around the pitch and score goals, I am enjoying it, so I will probably only stop playing when I can’t walk.

“I will see where I am at next season. Hopefully, I will still be here but who knows?”

Hughes, who turns 40 in May, has scored more than 200 goals since coming through the ranks at Kidderminster Harriers in 1994 and is determined to add to his tally before he finally hangs up his boots.

“If I could get to 15 goals this season, that would be great as I always aim for one goal in two games,” said Hughes, who has netted nine times in 13 starts for City this season.

“I have done it throughout my career and I still want to be doing it at 39.”

The experienced striker has been out for over a month due to a thigh injury but made his return in City’s 2-0 win over North Ferriby United.

“It is just about managing yourself, especially in the week,” he added.

“I still run after balls, which I probably shouldn’t do sometimes.

“But that instinct is always inside me and I just want to get in the box and score goals.”

Sixteenth-placed City visit Chorley, who are 11th, in the league on Saturday (3pm).