WORCESTER City boss Carl Heeley praised the “top-drawer” attitude of young goalkeeper Ethan Ross who got his chance to shine at the weekend.

He believes the 19-year-old’s “terrific” display in City’s 2-1 win over AFC Telford United will do “the world of good” for his confidence as he aims to cement his place in the side.

After more than two months watching on from the bench, Ross was handed the number one jersey to face Telford in Vanarama National League North.

And Heeley said he did not let his side down as he produced a series of stops in a match dominated by the visitors.

The West Bromwich Albion loanee also made a crucial save to deny Danny Reynolds late on before Colby Bishop struck at the death.

“Ethan has pulled off a great save at the end, his handling was impeccable and his distribution was very good,” Heeley said.

“He is a young lad, so he is going to have ups and downs, but I thought he was terrific on Saturday.”

Ross started in six of City’s first nine games before Heeley called on Port Vale stopper Ryan Boot to help turn his team’s form around.

Boot made an immediate impact, securing six clean sheets in 10 appearances, but his decision to join Macclesfield Town on loan last week opened the door for Ross.

Heeley said: “Ethan is probably one of the best lads I have ever had in the changing room.

“His attitude is top drawer and he has always said, ‘I want to play, so I will wait for my opportunity. Ryan is doing very well but when you put me back in I won’t let you down’ — and he certainly didn’t let us down.

“West Brom have said he has been training really well, so it was just a case of transferring that into the game and he has done that very well.

“I could not have asked for anymore from the lad.

“I was delighted with him and I am pleased he has got back in and had a good, solid performance because it will do his confidence the world of good.”

Heeley admitted he took a “gamble” on not putting a keeper on the bench as Nick Draper remains on loan at Bedworth United.

Although the decision “paid off” as City claimed a third successive home win, he said he would consider the situation ahead of their trip to Salford City on Saturday (3pm).

“We thought about bringing Nick back but we will assess that through the week,” Heeley added.

“We took a bit of a gamble with one goalkeeper in the 16 as I wanted to be offensive at home and give ourselves as many positive changes off the bench as possible and it paid off.”