KIDDERMINSTER captain Stuart Whitehead has tipped defensive partner Mark Creighton to progress into league football with the late-starter earning rave reviews for his form this season.

Whitehead has been impressed by the way Creighton has made the step up to Conference level since signing from Conference North club Redditch United in the summer.

Having spent most of his career in the lower divisions, the former Carlisle, Darlington and Shrewsbury man knows just what makes a dependable lower league defender.

And the 30-year-old skipper believes Creighton has the right credentials to kick on in the game.

"He's a great lad and we get on well off the pitch as well as on it," said Whitehead.

"He's big and strong lad who gobbles up everything in the air and he's good on the floor.

"He's no slouch either he's got a good turn of pace" said Whitehead.

"With the attitude that he's been showing he can only get better and I'm sure he'll move up into league football."

Creighton's only fault is that he can occasionally be over-committed and needs to calm down, admitted Whitehead, adding: "Sometimes he's too entusiastic and wants to head everything everywhere.

"You can't do that because if he comes across one of the defenders when he doesn't have to that puts two of us out of the game and creates a big hole.

"But we're constantly talking to each other and we've developed a good understanding."