JORDAN Murphy says he hopes another impressive loan spell at Worcester City will propel him into Walsall’s first-team fold.

The forward made his debut for the League One club after returning from eight games with City last season, including FA Cup clashes against Coventry City and Scunthorpe United.

But the 19-year-old has struggled for game-time this campaign, leading to a loan move to Vanarama National League bottom club Kidderminster Harriers in October.

After being recalled by Saddlers manager Sean O’Driscoll last month, it is understood he was considering giving Murphy an opportunity at a League Two club.

But Murphy said he was keen to link up with City’s management duo Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner and help the club climb the National League North table.

“Last time I was at Worcester I improved as a player physically but more importantly I experienced a good level of football and it gave me confidence to kick on, so I went back to Walsall and made my debut,” he said.

“After playing against the likes of Coventry and Scunthorpe in the FA Cup, I realised I could perform against league clubs.

“I was involved in the squad quite frequently at Walsall but it would have been nice to feature a little bit more.

“I went to Kidderminster but was recalled, so I had a chat to Gards (Matt Gardiner) and said, ‘Is there any chance I could come back?’ “He said he would speak to the gaffer (Carl Heeley) and see if they could sort something out. I am not entirely sure whether an opportunity was there (in League Two) but Worcester was the club I chose as I felt like it would be beneficial to me.”

Murphy, who played a starring role in City’s 2-0 victory over North Ferriby United last Saturday as he provided an assist for Shaun Donnellan’s opener, said he was determined to kick on.

“I want to impress the Walsall coaches and show I deserve a place in the team,” he said. “But, while at Worcester, my main aim is doing well in their games. We need to win matches and climb up the table, so that is my focus.

“I will, definitely (try to use this as a springboard). I want to perform consistently and hopefully the knock-on effect will be when I come back to Walsall I will start being included.”

Amadou Bakayoko has also joined City on loan from Walsall and Murphy is confident the striker will start hitting the back of the net.

“We have built up a good relationship on and off the pitch, so having Amadou here is a big boost for me,” he said.

“He has proven he can score in the past and when I am feeding him through I am confident he can put the ball away.”