THROUGH all the comings and goings at Worcester City over the past few years, one player has remained — Shabir Khan.
Schooled in the club’s youth ranks almost 10 years ago, the defender has made more than 100 appearances for his hometown club.
The 27-year-old’s loyalty is something to admire, as is his unwavering ability to pick himself up despite a catalogue of horrendous injuries.
During his time at City, Shabir has broken his ankle, dislocated his elbow and needed knee reconstruction injury following cruciate ligament damage.
The latter kept him out for two years but he has once again proved his fitness and, having been retained by manager Carl Heeley in the summer, is getting back to his best.
So far this term, he has produced some excellent displays, only tarnished by his red card against Gloucester City. He was a stand-out performer against Workington last Saturday and played an hour of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Telford United.
Heeley says the ability of a player once courted by Kidderminster Harriers and capped by Pakistan has never been in question and he is a valuable asset to the Blue and Whites.
“Shab’s injury record is frustrating for me and I’m sure for himself. He’s a top player,” the Worcester boss said.
“The sending off has hindered his season a little bit but we’ve got to try and keep him injury-free and get him through games because I think he’s a better centre-half now than a left-back.
“When he was younger he needed a bit more experience but he’s more natural at centre-half and gives you balance being left-footed and he’s got a good turn of pace.
“Everybody associated with this club knows what a good player he is. If we can keep him fit, he’ll be massive for us.”
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