In-form striker Andy Bishop is being tipped for a bright future if he can maintain his flush of goals.

The 22-year-old's rich vein of form has seen him score four times in the last three games to earn himself a place on the Nationwide Conference Player of the Month shortlist and a second call-up to the England National Game under-23 team for the forthcoming match against Holland.

Now caretaker manager Viv Busby - himself a goalscoring legend - has added his voice to those praising the former Walsall marksman's talent.

He said: "He's scored four in the last three games and if he keeps doing what he's doing, who knows where it can take him.

"Scorers are hard to find at any level and scouts from League clubs are always looking at lower league players.

"If he can maintain the work-rate and enthusiasm and goals, the future could be bright for the lad.

"I'm not saying we want to lose him, but I am sure if at the end of the season he was offered something from a higher club then I am sure he'd be pleased with that."

Bishop (pictured right) is on a short-list of five for the fans' voted Player of the Month award alongside Tony Boot of Dagenham & Redbridge, Paul Jones from Exeter City, Lee Roache of Barnet, and Michael Twiss of Morecambe.

Fans can cast their vote by logging onto www.footballconference.co.uk by midnight tomorrow.

Harrogate Town winger and stand-in manager Lee Philpott is on the Nationwide North short-list.

Updated: 10:10 Saturday, February 05, 2005