ANDY Morrison reckons Worcester City's rising star Chris Smith was born to be a midfield general.

Smith's reputation as one of Nationwide North's coveted defenders was confirmed with a consistent season in City's back-three that shipped just 46 league goals last term.

But it is believed the 24-year-old's role at St George Lane may become the holding midfielder after a string of eye-catching displays during the run-in.

Tempted to experiment, City boss Andy Preece pushed Smith into a more advanced position against Alfreton, Leigh RMI and Stalybridge Celtic.

The former York City man bossed the centre of the park on each occasion and really caught the eye with an all-action performance at Celtic's Bower Fold, where City won 3-2 last month.

Assistant manager Morrison, a former centre-half at Plymouth, Huddersfield and Manchester City, appreciates the qualities Smith brings to City's defence.

But with his eye on promotion next season, Preece's right-hand man is left in no doubt which postion versatile Smith should be handed.

"Chris Smith is made to play the holding-midfield role," said Morrison, 35. "Every attribute he has is geared to that job. He could play in the Football League in that position.

"His work-rate is tremendous, he's good in the air, a great passer and he breaks things up. Everything is there.

"I've got ideas how we can get out of this league next year and which players we need to bring in.

"Whether we bring in another centre-half, that is up to the manager. But Smudger has got it all to play that role."

Reflecting back on the season, in which City finished eighth in Nationwide North, Morrison blamed injury problems and poor early results on the club missing out on the play-offs.

But Worcester made a rapid climb from the fringes of the relegation zone to the league's top 10. A turning point in fortunes followed the January capture of Mark Danks, whose goals triggered five wins in seven outings.

Morrison has welcomed the spiky nature of the Forest Green striker and considers him a key player.

He added: "Danksy adds a different dimension to the dressing room -- that little bit of devilment we've perhaps lacked since Christian Moore left.

"We've got a fantastic bunch of lads, the sort of lads you would let your daughter go out with.

"I'm not saying you would not let her go out with Danksy! But he's a different character.

"He stands up for himself. No matter what you think of him, he enjoys a challenge and he's got a great attitude to the game."