WORCESTER City defender Nat Kelly is facing a “long-term” spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles.

Manager Ashley Vincent revealed the full extent of Kelly’s problem had yet to be determined but that the initial prognosis did not look good for the former Birmingham City youngster.

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However, Vincent was quick to reassure his summer signing that he would not become City’s forgotten man.

“We are not sure if it is a full or partial rupture and I have been liaising with Nat to get it looked into properly,” said Vincent.

“At the moment it is looking like a long-term injury which is really disappointing. I brought him in as one of my big players knowing he would stabilise the defence and have a big season for us.

“He could probably play two or three levels above this and has had interest from full-time clubs in this country – that speaks volumes for how highly people rate him.

“We will stick by him 100 per cent, look after him and do whatever we can to get him fit and back to his best physically and mentally to help push his career on.

“He is a top lad and it is never nice, especially at non-league level, when it is long term and there isn’t the safety net of contracts.

“It will always be the case that I will do my best to look after any player of ours in that situation and give them the opportunity when fit to get back to where they were.”

Meanwhile, Vincent has confirmed the departure of Levi Andoh to Midland Football League Division Two outfit Moor Green Academy.

“He saw himself playing a lot more quickly but also understood my feeling that there were people performing better than him in the positions he plays,” said Vincent.

“I wish Levi all the best. He is a top kid, a really good footballer and I hope he does well for himself.”

Former City midfielder Kaoui Attoumani has signed for Wolverhampton Sporting Community.