CAMERON Belford believes his time at Worcester City will hold him in good stead for the future.

The 19-year-old keeper's loan spell came to an end last week when parent club Bury recalled him ahead of their League Two home match against Macclesfield Town.

He has been handed a contract for next season by Bury boss Alan Knill and could be involved in the club's final two games of the campaign against Rochdale and Accrington.

Belford is delighted to be back in the Football League but is grateful for the opportunity given to him by City boss Richard Dryden.

Dryden made the teenager his first signing, initially for a month with Danny McDonnell injured, when he took over in December.

He became an instant hit by saving a penalty on his debut against Barrow and his performances in the past few months have been nothing short of exceptional, highlighted by acrobatic saves and confident kicking.

Although City have the third worst goal difference outside the Blue Square North relegation zone, it could have been a lot worse without Belford's exploits and his efforts have not gone unnoticed at Gigg Lane.

"I really enjoyed my time at Worcester," Belford said. "I am better for it.

"I think if I hadn't been given the chance, then I probably wouldn't be the keeper that I am now for the experience I gained playing competitive first-team football.

"I think I learned a lot because before that I had only played a handful of first-team games at Tamworth and Hinckley.

"Getting a decent run of games helped me a lot with playing first-team football at a good level, it can only benefit me.

"If I had continued to be at Bury in the reserves or not playing because of the competition for places, it would have been more difficult.

"With being on loan and having a few keepers at Bury, it was a case of getting my head down and doing the best for myself and Worcester.

"Bury had come to watch a few games and I must have done something right to impress.

"I am just thankful to Richard Dryden for giving me a chance at Worcester.

"The club's been brilliant, from the chairman down. Richard has been a massive help to me in giving me the chance. He's a top bloke and a top manager.

"Worcester are very lucky to have him and hopefully we can stay friends.

"All the fans have been brilliant to me. I had a good rapport with them being very supportive and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time."

He added: "My aim is to stay in the league for as long as I can and be a professional footballer first and foremost.

"All I can do now is get my head down in training, work hard and see what the manager comes up with.

"I am just glad to be back involved, which was my aim all along from the start of the season. Hopefully next year I should be more involved."