LEON Kelly's explosive start to his Worcester City career has fuelled hopes for their forthcoming title challenge.

The 25-year-old has only made three friendly appearances but already his bustling style of play has earned him instant popularity on the terraces of St George's Lane and added a much-needed physical threat to the City frontline.

Manager John Barton has been pleased with Kelly's impact and believes he will be a real thorn in the side of opposition teams.

"He's going to give defences a really hard time this season, they'll get no easy games from Leon," said Barton.

The former Ilkeston Town striker's strengths are clear to see. He's refreshingly direct in his play, has pace, competes for every ball and loves running at, and taking on defenders.

"That's my game but I've been told to calm down and chill out a bit as well," said Kelly. "I need to work on relaxing more on the ball and playing the easy ball instead of trying to take too many people on but sometimes running at defences can build morale."

Spirit is something Kelly will find in abundance at City but he had no inkling the club were interested in signing him.

"When Charlie Bishop (Ilkeston manager) phoned me up and said Worcester had put in an offer I was a bit shocked but once I knew they were interested I was very keen to come because I'd heard about the set up at Worcester," he added.

Playing for a City side gearing up for another tilt at the title will make a welcome change for Kelly who last season endured the disappointment of relegation from the Dr Martens Premier Division with Ilkeston.

Despite personal success with 21 goals it was a frustrating year for Kelly.

"We didn't find our feet until the end of the season," added Kelly. "The manager kept chopping and changing the side and it all went pear-shaped. By the time we did get it together it was too late."

Ilkeston inflicted a damaging 3-2 defeat on City towards the end of the season but Kelly was conspicious by his absence, serving a three-match ban for a straight red.

His robust play can land Kelly in conflict with referees but it is not malicious insists the forward.

"I use my arms a lot when I run which catches people in the face and they make a meal of it but it's not deliberate," he added.

Kelly brings with him a wealth of experience including a stint at Cambridge United in the Football League and loan spells at Conference sides Dover and Stalybridge.

His focus now however is firmly on City and with the benefit of a good pre-season under his belt Kelly is ready and primed to lead Worcester in their latest championship challenge.

"I can't wait for the season to get started and my aim with Worcester is to get promotion and I think we have got a good chance," he added.