Former Sholing striker Lee Wort has been consigned to the bench for much of this Conference South season but could soon find himself a mainstay at Gosport Borough if ex-Saints striker Matt Paterson’s move to Swindon Town goes ahead.

Wort, who was a leading-light for the Boatmen - helping them to the FA Vase crown last season, has found opportunities in the starting XI few and far between at Boro’, with Justin Bennett, who's scored 25 this term, and 17 goal man Paterson leading the line.

But that could all be about change if the 25-year-old ex-St Mary’s man, who made 22 appearances in red and white, completes a move to League One promotion hopefuls Swindon.

The Wiltshire outfit have been in contact with Borough chairman Mark Hook to take him to the County Ground and back into professional football during the January transfer window.

Discussions are believed to be at an early stage but Gosport manager Alex Pike has always maintained he would not stand in a player’s way if they are offered a route into the pro ranks.

Paterson’s partnership with Bennett has been a key reason behind the club’s success this term - and the Borough boss knows he would be facing a difficult task in trying to replace him.

“We’ve had an approach for Paterson from Swindon,” he said. “It has come out at the Swindon end, which is a bit disappointing. It’s nice he is being recognised.

"He has been excellent for me this season but it creates a big problem for me if he goes.

"Matt and Justin Bennett are the best strike partnership I’ve had in my managerial career and we have got Lee Wort pressing as well. They are all quality strikers.

"The chairman is dealing with it so we will see what transpires."

Paterson isn’t the only Gosport player to be attracting interest from Football League clubs with another ex-Sholing man, Mike Carter, linked with a move to professional clubs, including Colchester United, Barnsley and Premier League Burnley.