CHRIS Smith insists he will not be distracted at Worcester City despite earning massive praise on television during Sunday's FA Cup defeat.

Match of the Day commentators Jonathan Pearce and Mark Bright paid tribute to highly-rated Smith, admitting they 'would not be surprised' if the central defender secured a return to a Football League club.

Following defeat to Huddersfield Town, friends quizzed Smith as to whether he had played his last game for the St George's Lane club.

Smith, 24, joined on a contract from Stafford Rangers earlier this summer, after previously making more than 70 league appearances for York City, and has been one of Worcester's most consistent performers this season.

After securing his signature, City boss Andy Preece hailed Smith as the 'best centre-half' in Nationwide North and said he possessed the ability to play at a higher level.

Smith has made no secret that he would like to become a professional footballer once again and acknowledges that the BBC-televised clash against Huddersfield was a great showcase for his ability.

But the Derby-born defender insists City are his number one team and he remains determined to improve the club's league position.

"My parents came to the game, along with 14 of my mates," said Smith. "I went home with them on a minibus and some of them said to me, 'So when are you signing for a new club?'

"Their mums and dads were watching the game on television and telling them it was my last game for Worcester, which was quite strange."

Smith added: "I watched a video of the match yesterday and heard the commentators mentioning me.

"Obviously, my ambition is to get back into the Football League and the gaffer said he would never stop me going back.

"That's my ultimate aim, but I don't want to leave Worcester. I'm happy here and I'll always concentrate on winning games.

"But playing in the Football League should be everybody's aim.

"Obviously, I've played at a higher level and I reckon five or six of the lads here are good enough to play in the Football League.

"Des Lyttle and Graham Hyde have been there and coming to the end of their careers now, but there are definitely six others that can step up."

City chairman Dave Boddy admits the club will do everything to keep Smith.

He said: "Chris is an integral member of the team and we don't want to lose him."