CHRISTIAN Moore believes he has 'nothing to prove' to Worcester City fans when he leads the line-up for Kettering Town on Saturday.

Striker Moore, aged 32, was the target for criticism from a section of City supporters during a wretched injury-ridden season at St George's Lane.

After joining Worcester from Telford United last summer, Moore missed the opening games of the Nationwide North campaign when in the Caribbean to be best man at a wedding.

He then suffered a massive blow on his return when rupturing anterior cruciate ligaments, which required an operation and restricted him to the sidelines until the final day defeat at Gainsborough Trinity.

Opportunity

Moore, who was sold to the Poppies last month, now has the opportunity to show City dissenters what they missed when the two sides clash at Rockingham Road this Saturday in the league's curtain-raiser.

But the former Burton Albion man admits that he ignores those who doubt his ability.

"To be honest, I've got nothing to prove to the Worcester fans," said Moore. "I'm not interested in their opinions towards me. I had a decent career before I went to Worcester and my record speaks for itself.

"I got a little bit slated by the fans and that was unjust because I'd never had a serious injury before in my career. It was a career-threatening injury, a cruciate, and there was nothing I could do about it. That's what happens in football.

"I've gone now from Worcester, but I've still got friends there. They are a great bunch of lads and I believe they have a realistic chance of promotion.

"I'm just going to play my best for Kettering. Of course, I want to do well on Saturday, but it would be the same if I was playing Droylsden or Nuneaton Borough."

It was initially believed Moore was banned to face City after being shown a red card in Kettering's pre-season fixture against Rushden and Diamonds.

However, he was punished by North-amptonshire FA and given a 35-day ban that starts on September 5.

Moore is furious with the sanction and has lodged an appeal to reduce the suspension length.

He added: "The sending-off went to the Northants FA instead of the Football League and they have given me a 35-day ban. They have treated me like a pub player. It means I could miss about eight or nine games, which is ridiculous.

"I have appealed. In any normal circumstances, I would get a three-game ban. I didn't expect to be dealt with like this."