DEAN Waldron and Jamie Smith have been challenged by manager Carl Heeley to cement their places in Worcester City’s starting line-up next season.

The talented duo have earned new deals at the Vanarama National League North outfit and Heeley has urged them to transform themselves from fringe players to first-team regulars.

Versatile Smith made 13 appearances, scoring his first goal for the club against Boston United in November, while midfielder Waldron made 12 showings last term.

Heeley said he had been pleased with the progress the home-grown aces had made over the past few campaigns.

But, having struggled to hold down places since making their debuts in a Worcestershire FA Senior Cup clash in 2014, Heeley insisted it was now time for Waldron and Smith to become established names in his side.

“Dean and Jamie have been in and around the first team for a couple of seasons now but they have got to start playing week in week out,” Heeley said.

“They have to believe they can play regularly. We have retained them because we see the potential there and they are local lads who want to be at the club.

“But they have got to kick on now and get over the barriers of having little injuries.

“If they can do that, there is no reason why they can’t be regular starters here.

“They are progressing at different rates but there is ability there and I am happy with how they are moving along.”

Smith and Waldron both benefitted from City’s youth set-up and Heeley said he had been encouraged by the talent coming through at the club.

Promising striker Joe Bates is one young player who has impressed Heeley having scored goals for City’s under 18s side.

He was also an unused first-team substitute twice last season and the City boss admitted he could be offered a deal.

“Joe has lots of potential and I will be having a discussion with him,” Heeley said.

“I have had a very brief chat with him so far but I need to expand on that a little bit.

“He is a boy we should persevere with as he has got ability and we have to give the platform for players like Joe to thrive.”

Heeley added: “There are a number of local lads we are keeping a close eye on within the set-up and the long-term ambition is to bring as many of those boys through as possible.

“It is a slow process as you are not going to get huge results overnight but there are great signs there and it gives me great optimism for the future.”