FORWARD Daniel Nti and midfielder Connor Gater have got the ability to play in the Football League, according to experienced striker Lee Hughes.

The former Premier League frontman has been impressed with the talented duo since he arrived at the club, saying they had come on in “leaps and bounds” this season.

Nti, 23, has scored eight goals this campaign — just one behind top scorer Hughes — and has also contributed with five assists, which is more than any other player in City’s squad.

Gater has not featured as heavily as Nti, who has made 35 appearances this season, but Hughes said the 23-year-old has shown signs of potentially carving out a career in professional football.

“I think Dan and Connor have come on in leaps and bounds,” Hughes said.

“Nti is one of those players who can go on and play in the Football League because he has got the ability.

“He has put quite a few decent crosses in to me in the box where I have scored with my head.

“I think he has got a good future ahead of him.

“Connor is also a quality player and I think he could go higher as well.

“There are quite a few who have got a lot of ability but it is just about doing it on a consistent basis.

“That tends to be case the lower you go down the leagues — it is more inconsistent.

“They don’t make too many mistakes in the Premier League and that’s why you don’t get many chances.”

Hughes said he was delighted to team up with former Derby County striker Deon Burton, who is also 39, when he joined City in September and admitted the younger players were benefitting from the pair’s experience.

“It is good for the youngsters to have us around,” he said.

“They always ask us questions and they can learn off our movement and where we go in the box.

“It does help to have a few experienced players in there to help the younger lads, especially in the last few weeks, and as you can see from the last few results it is showing on the pitch.

“So hopefully we can help them get through this season.”

Hughes has also backed City’s link-up with his former club West Bromwich Albion as it has provided a platform for midfielder Shaun Donnellan, centre-back George Cleet and goalkeeper Ethan Ross to flourish.

“I think Gards (Matt Gardiner) has got the link through Darren Moore, my ex-team-mate, who I speak to regularly, and to be fair they are bringing a good few youngsters through (at West Brom),” Hughes added.

“It is a good move for Worcester and for the players to get some first-team experience.”