NOMADIC talent Mason Birch wants to nail down a place at Worcester City as he plots a course back into the professional ranks.

Having left Aston Villa after 10 years in the youth set-up, the 18-year-old midfielder chanced his arm at Kidderminster Harriers and Redditch United before arriving at City last week.

Birch stood out for Harriers under-23s against the Reds last month but having been snapped up by his opponents found first-team opportunities hard to come by.

Now he wants to settle at one non-league club while pursuing his dream of a return to the full-time game and hopes City can benefit in the meantime.

“I was with the first-team squad at Kidderminster but not playing, they then sent me to Redditch but it didn’t really happen for one reason or another,” said Birch.

“I don’t know where my future lies at the minute, I just want to play football. I have missed a lot of game time through injuries and other issues at Villa.

“All I want to do is get my head down, get some games under my belt and see where it takes me.

“I have come out of full-time football and one or two opportunities have arose since but not driving and being too old to play in certain age groups has held me back.

“The aim is to get back into the professional ranks, it is for everyone and it is attainable.

“I appreciate this opportunity and it is not a case of coming here and then seeing where I can go. I want to play men’s football, better myself and if an opportunity arises in the professional game then that’s where I want to be.

“It is not a stepping stone. I want to make the fans and the management happy, this is a good chance to play for me to play at a big club.”

Birch debuted in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Long Eaton United and provided flashes of inspiration in an advanced central-midfield position, prompting hopes of another start in tomorrow’s Midland Football League clash at home to second-placed Westfields (3pm).

“I had a few chances and probably should have scored in the first half,” said Birch.

“I thought I did okay, created some chances and put in some good crosses. I am lacking a bit of fitness and could do with sharpening up but that only comes with games.

“I am still relatively new to playing men’s football. I am looking forward to Saturday, improving again and getting some more minutes under my belt.

“Worcester has a good young team that wants to play football and you don’t always get that at this level. Our opponents on Tuesday looked to get the ball up the pitch as quickly as they could.

“At Villa they teach you to play a number of positions. I played as a striker, holding midfielder, right-back and right wing. I enjoy a variety but central midfield is where I see myself as a box-to-box player, getting on the ball when I can.”