JIMMY Oates is happy to stay at Hereford FC for as long as the club want him for.

The Australian right-back has been excellent this season and has been one of the most consistent performers in the Bulls team.

And there will be no problem him playing next season in the league above.

As it stands, Mustapha Bundu and Sirdic Grant cannot play higher than step five of the non-league pyramid due to only holding student visas.

But Oates has confirmed he holds the right documents.

"There's no problem with me – my dad is English and I've got an English passport," he said.

"I'm here for as long as they want me."

Oates, who has one year left at Hartpury College, admitted match fitness was his main problem at the start of the season after hooking up with the Bulls. But he soon improved as the season wore on and has arguably been one of Hereford's best players.

"At the start of the season, I hadn't really played that many games, but as the season has worn on, I have played more minutes and felt fitter and more comfortable with the boys," added Oates.

"The team has grown, which has been massive and we're more confident playing with each other.

"I love playing right-back, you're able to bomb on and get involved attacking wise, but I also enjoy defending."

Oates was delighted to finally get his first Bulls goal on Monday, which came from the penalty spot in the HFA County Challenge Cup Final against Westfields.

"There's been loads of talk about me getting the first one and I said, if we were 3-0 up or something like that, I would step up and take one," said Oates.