ANDY Preece believes his former Bury marksman Gareth Seddon will prove an excellent acquisition for Worcester City.

Seddon, 25, made a stunning one-off appearance on Tuesday night, teaming up beautifully alongside Adam Webster and netting the opener in City's dramatic 3-2 win at Stalybridge Celtic.

That will be the only glimpse City supporters have of the Burnley-born striker until the beginning of next season, when Seddon is ex-pected to agree terms with the St George's Lane club.

He is committed to North West Counties League Division Two side Padiham for the rest of this term, but should team up again with Preece this summer.

"Gaz is a quality player," said Preece. "He's a great lad and I've kept in touch with him. I'm sure we can sort something out for next season.

"He's a loyal kid and he said he would stay at Padiham for the rest of the season -- he's been good to his word. That shows what a good lad he is, but he's got a lot going for him and he's looking to take a step up next season."

Preece added: "I don't think Gaz will play again this season. That was a one-off. I just wanted him to see the lads, see the atmosphere and see what we are trying to do.

"Webby enjoyed playing along with him. It's all been good -- it gave him a taster of what we are all about and I think he enjoyed being around the lads."

Seddon was leading goalscorer in two separate seasons at Gigg Lane.

But he quit professional football while at Rushden and Diamonds last year suffering from reactive arthritis, a condition that led to terribly swollen knee and back injuries.

Preece said: "Gaz had a really bright future ahead of him until this condition hit him. It affected different parts of his body.

"It's been fine for him this season, now he's no longer playing professional football."

Meanwhile, City's central defender Justin Thompson is expected to be out for the season after damaging ankle ligaments at Stalybridge.

Thompson hobbled off with 20 minutes to go.

Preece said: "We will have to wait and see, but I think Justin could be out for the rest of the season. He got a knock but carried on and got another knock. It showed his character, but that second knock made it 10 times worse.

"We've got the players to cover for him. Chris Smith can go back into defence and there's options in midfield."