FEW players have made such an immediate impact on a crowd as Michael Taylor has at Worcester City.

The striker has taken next to no time to win over the St George’s Lane faithful with a series of high-energy displays in recent weeks.

Fans like a trier, someone who shows a willingness to succeed, and they have warmed to Taylor’s infectious determination.

He is also one seriously quick player. For straight-line speed, there are few faster at City’s level, and probably not that many in higher divisions either.

I am told that Ryan Clarke, who left the club last week, was considered the sprinter to beat at the Lane and Taylor showed him a clean pair of heels.

The 24-year-old might not always back it up with huge amounts of skill and fancy footwork but he is a defender’s nightmare, chasing and harrying at every available opportunity.

Any opponent who wants to trap the ball and assess his options can forget it with the former Earlswood Town forward around.

That invariably causes players to make mistakes and concede possession in key areas for City to exploit. That’s an asset.

Although there had been glimpses of his potential in the form of cameos as a substitute for the last 20 minutes of games, few would have expected him to adapt to 90-minute stints so soon.

He was handed his first league start against Blyth Spartans at the end of last month and marked it with a goal in a 2-1 victory.

City also won their next three matches, with Taylor partnering Mike Symons in all of them, as well as scoring again in the 3-2 triumph at Corby Town.

That run came to an abrupt halt with the 2-0 defeat to Droylsden but there is no reason to suggest Taylor won’t be unleashed on Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.

Although still a relative rookie, Taylor, who joined Worcester last summer before a loan spell at Stourport Swifts, is relishing every minute of it.

“I’m really pleased at the moment and we are doing well,” he said.

“The lads have given me a lot of confidence and the fans have been great as well. Where I was playing before we only had about 10 people watching us! I am learning all the time and even in training if I do anything wrong they tell me how to improve.”

Taylor’s inclusion has also coincided with City’s surge to within touching distance of the play-off places, something he feels they can achieve.

The striker added: “We are a positive team so if we stay that way I don’t see any reason why we can’t make the play-offs.”