DEFENDER Exodus Geohaghon has been kicked out of Worcester City after refusing to play in the FA Cup.

The centre-half wanted to be left out of today’s third qualifying round tie against Rugby Town at Aggborough (3pm) to avoid being cup-tied.

It is thought Geohaghon, who has played six games and scored two goals for City this season, wanted to remain eligible for the competition should he secure a move to a higher-ranked team.

He missed the second qualifying round victory over Coventry Sphinx with an Achilles problem a fortnight ago but returned for last Saturday’s 4-0 Skrill North defeat at Stockport County.

The 28-year-old former Kidderminster Harriers and Peterborough powerhouse, who stands 6ft 5ins, was in line to start against Rugby as City seek to reach the fourth qualifying round for the second year running.

But manager Carl Heeley was not impressed with the player’s stance and has decided to dispense with his services.

“He doesn’t want to play in the FA Cup,” the City boss said.

“I understand his reasons for that and fully respect his decision but I have to do what’s best for the club and we need everybody fully committed.”

It is not the first time Geohaghon has left a club in controversial fashion following his acrimonious departure from Kidderminster in August 2012, just a month into a one-year deal.

Having been named captain by manager Steve Burr, Geohaghon asked to leave to join Mansfield Town, citing a “deal which was too good to refuse”, eventually joining the Stags for an initial fee of £5,000.

He went on to win the Conference with Mansfield but was released in the summer following their promotion to League Two and joined City at the start of September. Geohaghon is the second centre-half to leave Worcester this month following the release of Ashley Walker.

Heeley, however, still has options in the heart of the defence in Richard Munday, Shabir Khan, Graham Hutchison and Sam Smith.

Hutchison has played at right-back for the last four games as cover for George Williams, who is poised to return following an ankle problem.

Smith, another of City’s summer signings, has not played this season due to knee surgery but is back in training and could be loaned to Stourport Swifts to regain his fitness.

City last night signed 18-year-old Birmingham City striker Reece Hales on a one-month loan deal.