PROMISING Worcester City striker Joe Bates has got “real quality”, according to Bishop’s Cleeve manager Steve Cleal.

The talented teenager is currently on loan at the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West outfit and made his first start in their 3-3 draw against Bideford on Saturday.

Cleal says he has been impressed with the 18-year-old, who joined in mid-November, and believes he has got a bright future in the game.

“Joe has come in and been excellent to work with,” Cleal said.

“His attitude and application is spot on and you can see he has real quality, he just needs to keep learning and working hard."

Bates, who lives in Lower Wick, earned his first senior deal at City this summer after scoring 28 goals in 17 games for the youth team last term.

The former Christopher Whitehead Language College pupil made a couple of showings in pre-season, but has yet to break into the first team.

However, he appears to be relishing his time at Cleeve who also feature former Malvern Town player Ben Hayes. Bates has made 10 appearances and scored his first goal in a 4-0 victory at Larkhall Athletic last month.

Cleal continued: "You could see how much Joe means to me and the lads when he got his goal at Larkhall.

"The lad shows in abundance his qualities in training and in glimpses of games but he's been knocking on the door now and deserves a start.

"He's not the biggest but he's strong and quick and as he learns the level he will improve."