ANY suggestions that at 37 Paul Carty might be considering hanging up his boots, have been given short thrift by the Worcester City full -back.

Despite an impending cartilage operation, two dodgy Achilles heels and countless knocks, Carty is as enthusiastic as ever, especially with the forthcoming challenge of the newly formed Conference North.

Emerging left back Shabir Khan and new signing Rob Warner may have added def-ensive competition but Carty has no intention of shirking the challenge for his number three shirt.

"I intend to be at the club come the start of the season," said Carty.

"It's going to be a new challenge for everybody connected at the club from the players to the supporters and it's something to look forward to."

And with the aid of his trusty mountain bike, he aims to be fit and raring to go once he recovers from surgery to his knee.

"I've got tendinitis in both Achilles so I tend to use the bike rather than pounding around the roads," said Carty.

His troublesome Achilles have blighted Carty since he was 30 but he refuses to contemplate surgery.

"They both need surgery but I know the potential problems when you've had the operation, no more so than Stewart Hadley who never made a full recovery from it.

"I know the problem is there but I know how to cope with it. The first few months of a season are a bit sore but then it gets better.

Bullet

"It's either a case of biting the bullet or having an operation and I don't want to risk surgery."

While the sands of time are running out on Carty's career, teenage defender Khan has what could be a promising career in front of him.

And he couldn't be in better hands than City boss John Barton, according to Carty.

"I think John will play him when he can, and when the time is right.

"As far as I'm concerned John has made the right decision on every youngster at the club. He eases them in gradually and knows how to look after them as he does the older lads as well."

Finding the right blend of youth and experience will be one of Barton's pivotal tasks as City attempt to establish themselves in the Conference Nor-th.

Carty for one is gearing up for some serious battles.

"It's not going to be as clearcut as some might think," he said. "We've got to win matches but you can't just turn up and expect to win.

"We'll have to battle first and then skill will hopefully come through."