MANAGER Ashley Vincent believes recently-engaged striker Demetri Brown can be the perfect match for Worcester City.

The prolific frontman has arrived at City in buoyant mood this week after his girlfriend Bethany Lock accepted his marriage proposal while on holiday.

Vincent said Brown’s good news had given the squad an extra lift ahead of today’s friendly at Pershore Town (3pm).

But Vincent is refusing to go soft on the 40-goal forward who is set for his first run out in the blue and white this summer.

“It is fantastic news,” said Vincent on Brown’s engagement.

“All those little good bits that happen off the pitch for individuals that can only be a positive to the group.

“We are happy for him and we will welcome him back but we will work him extra hard now!

“He will get some fitness work done and then play some part on Saturday.

“How long that will be depends on how he is fitness wise.

“We are not going to take any risks.

“We will give him some minutes, but we want to build all the boys up gradually over pre-season.

Brown has joined City after playing a key role in firing Tividale to the West Midlands League Premier Division title last term.

With hot-shots Jordan Harrison and Jak Jays also in the squad Vincent said he was pleased with City’s striker department for the upcoming season.

“I think Demetri’s record is something like 76 goals in 112 games (for Tividale),” Vincent said.

“He got 40 last season in 50-odd games. That speaks for itself.

“I know those goals came in the level below but goalscorers are worth their weight in gold.

“Add him to Jordan and Jak who know how to score at this level we have got goals in the side now.

“It is about getting the tactical bits right and the rest of the team providing chances for them to do what they do.

“We feel any combination of those will go and cause problems and score goals.”

Harrison came off the bench to notch City’s only goal in a 1-0 win at Bewdley Town last weekend.

“Yes we won but it was a fitness exercise and it will be the same on Saturday and Tuesday (at Stratford Town),” Vincent added.

“We have a young squad but they are hungry and are a fit bunch.

“They have been fantastic and worked extremely hard. That’s the side we are going to be.

“They are more than happy to do that and have not moaned once.

“They are in good shape at the moment.

“I need to get as many of my boys in peak condition for those first five games of the season.”