CIERON Keane admits he “does not know how long” he will be at Worcester City as the troubled club look to slash their playing budget.

The former Notts County youngster, one of City’s stand-out players this season, says he is keen to stay at the National League North strugglers.

However, Keane insists he does not want to be a “strain” on the finances and would be willing to leave if it helped the cash-strapped club.

Star striker Lee Hughes departed last week to join relegation rivals AFC Telford United before City, who are one place above the drop zone, announced all players would be put up for transfer.

“I think they are trying to get rid of players,” said the 20-year-old whose brother Jordan also plays for Worcester.

“The fans know that otherwise the club would not have let the top goal-scorer leave.

“If the club say to me you need to go to lower the wage bill then I would do that because I don’t want to be a strain on the club financially.

“I am not the sort of player to just sit here and take my money, especially if they can’t afford it.”

Since joining City last summer Keane has established himself as a regular in the first team and developed a strong partnership with Tyler Weir on the left-hand side.

The ex-Wolves trainee, who played for Nuneaton Town last term, has also chipped in with six goals from 30 appearances.

And the left midfielder is set to start against fifth-placed FC Halifax Town today (3pm) as City bid to end their 12-match winless streak in the league.

“I want to do well for Worcester and for them to stay in this league so we need to start getting wins,” Keane said.

“But on the other hand you are hearing people have got to leave and take pay cuts which shouldn’t be happening.

“I understand if there are financial difficulties that’s fine (to do that) but it is not a good position to be.

“If they say you can go and play elsewhere I would do that so I don’t know how long my brother and I will be here.”

Stand-in boss John Snape is expected to remain in temporary charge alongside captain Danny Jackman while Worcester continue to look for a new manager.

But the Blue and Whites will face a Halifax side in fine form as they have won six of their last seven games.

City were thumped 3-0 at The Shay in August as Keane and Hughes both saw red.

“You can’t let bad times and bad atmospheres get you down so you have to stay positive and get on with it,” Keane added.

“Halifax have been flying and scoring a lot of goals but we seem to be better at home than away.

“I think we have got to do our own thing and not focus on the opposition too much.”