ASSISTANT manager Chris Cornes would back “six or seven” of his Worcester Raiders squad to flourish at higher levels – and has no qualms with them proving it.

The Claines Lane outfit is right in the thick of the West Midlands (Regional) League Division One title race, sat two points off the summit with two games in hand on both teams above them.

But far from worrying about circling vultures, the former professional and ex-Worcester City playmaker reckons an open-door policy is best for Raiders.

“Most of the team has the potential to play higher, you would probably put forward six or seven that could play two divisions above, maybe another one up from that," said Cornes.

“In many cases it is about having the appetite to do that. Because we are local with little travelling, lads sometimes prefer it.

“I saw Worcester City didn’t get back until 11.30 or midnight from a midweek game this week. It can be hard for some people who have family or work, football can play second fiddle.

“We know teams have probably been watching players and we would never stand in their way of anyone wanting to better themselves.

“Luke Molloy did a bit of pre-season with us then went to Stourport but never quite got the opportunity. He ended up coming back.

“You should be playing football at the best standard you can. You should not be happy playing in your comfort zone and that’s what we have tried to instil in the players.

“Once you get to the standard you think you are capable of playing, try to push on and play higher than that. We have tried to implement that every week since the start of the season and it has stood us in good stead so far.”

As things stand, Cornes has plenty of options to choose from with competition for places increasing by the week.

“I talk to Karl (Gormley, manager) on Friday nights and we have nightmares over who we are going to pick,” he added.

“There are 16 who could play week in week out, it is good but it can be a headache and a bit stressful.

“The will to win is there. The lads are all doing extra bits in the week, running and posting pictures in the WhatsApp group of going to the gym at 6am because that’s when they can fit it in.

“That spurs the other lads on as well. We would much rather that than what we had at times last season when there was a bare 11 or 12, it is good for the club.”

Raiders, bizarrely without a league fixture in November, turn attentions to a Worcestershire Saturday Junior Cup quarter-final tie at home to Feckenham tomorrow (2pm).

Richard Smith should recover from “a slight knock” while Glen Sitch is expected to have overcome his injury. The rest of the squad is expected to be fit and available.

“The cup can bring anything on,” added Cornes.

“They will want to beat us. We haven’t lost many games and will treat it as we have every other game so far, like it is the biggest game of the season.”