A PROMISING Lower Wick footballer has set his sights on making an “emotional” league debut for Worcester City after fearing his dream of playing for his hometown club was over three years ago.

Teenager Joe Bates has earned his first senior deal ahead of the new campaign and says he is determined to grasp a “massive opportunity” to make his City bow.

The 18-year-old has been on the Blue and Whites’ books since under 12s level and was called up to train with the first team last season after his goal-scoring talents caught the eye of manager Carl Heeley.

However Bates, who is a City fan and recalls watching them play at St George’s Lane when he was younger, revealed his rise through the ranks had not come without “pain”.

“At 15 I had a major setback,” he said. “I broke my fifth metatarsal in my right foot. At the time, I didn’t think I would ever play again due to the pain I was in but thankfully I had a speedy recovery.”

After returning to the game, Bates repaid Worcester for keeping faith in him by scoring 28 goals in 17 games for the youth team last season.

The former Christopher Whitehead Language College pupil also put the disappointment of his injury behind him by representing England Colleges under 18s team at the age of 16 in a tournament in Rome.

But, having been given the backing of Heeley and assistant boss John Snape, Bates says he is keen not to let his hard work go to waste.

“I have always been a Worcester City fan and have followed them since I was a kid,” said Bates, who is currently in the second year of studying excellence in football at Gloucestershire’s Hartpury College.

“I used to go to St George’s Lane with my dad, meet up with my friends and watch the game, so to now be playing for the first team is a great achievement.

“I have always trained and worked hard in order to be the best I can be.

“I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself in front of the city I grew up in. It means everything to me and my family.”

Bates was on the bench for two City games last term and said he now wants to fulfil his dream of making his first appearance for the club in Vanarama National League North.

“Playing my first league game for City will be emotional,” he added.

“It will be a great moment and I will never forget it.

“I want to help the team be successful in the coming season and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans.

“They have always been so supportive of the players throughout the years and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“It will be a massive opportunity to show everyone what I can do and I want to thank Carl and John for having faith and believing in me.”