MANAGER John Snape will discuss with Worcester City's board securing George Forsyth beyond the end of this season – but admits it might be a fruitless exercise.

Forsyth this week announced his intention to stay at City despite a second offer to move on inside three months.

The 22-year-old defender or midfielder rejected the overtures of Gresley, currently bottom of one of the divisions at the level above City, weeks after turning down title-chasing league rivals Walsall Wood.

Having initially joined on loan as a contract player at Gloucester City, the ex-Wolves youngster signed permanently on a non-contract basis following the termination of his Tigers deal.

He went on to win the coveted Worcester News Player of the Season award and has been the club's talisman during a patchy campaign to date.

Snape anticipates this latest decision will see Forsyth stay put until the end of the season and revealed his thoughts are already turning to what happens to his protégé after that.

“You don’t want to lose players at any point in the season but with the registration deadline looming it becomes even more important,” said Snape.

“George has been outstanding all season and a real role model at the club. He played really well on Saturday, the interest was no distraction and having him in defence made us play out from the back more.

“His versatility is second to none and it is a pleasure to manage him. Above all else, he cares.

“He is someone I will talk to the chairman about securing for next season whatever happens, although I know George wants to go higher.”

Forsyth’s influence is likely to be important again tomorrow with City’s injury problems persisting ahead Coventry Sphinx’s visit the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove, for a Midland Football League Premier Division clash (3pm).

Jamie Smith (neck) and James Baldwin remain on the sidelines with player-coach Mat Birley struggling with the tight groin that resulted in his substitution at Ilkeston last weekend. Joel Caines is also a doubt.

City scooped a first win of the season in the reverse fixture in August but Sphinx have again established themselves as one of the frontrunners this term, sitting sixth with a five-point lead over Worcester.

“I think anyone at this level would agree that facing Coventry Sphinx is a tough task,” added Snape.

“We got our first win there this season and did very well in that game. They are up there for a reason, though, and above us at the moment so we will need to take all three points.

“I expect it to be a physical and mental battle similar to last weekend. We will have to earn the right to play how we want to.”