STRIKER Jak Jeys is relieved to have finally broken the taboo of mental health issues that blighted his pre-season with Worcester City.

The 24-year-old hotshot revealed the problems had been behind his absence in the build up to a first campaign with City.

Birmingham-based Jeys has been around a number of clubs in recent seasons and admitted he had hid his troubles, "something others saw as a weakness".

But having shared his story with the top brass at City and gained unflinching support, he now wants a focus on football to aid his recovery.

“I have been diagnosed with a few mental health issues and Ash (Vincent, manager) and Marlon (Walters, assistant manager) have both been working with me very closely off the pitch," said Jeys.

“They have been in touch near enough every day to help and get me mentally ready for football as well as being there as friends.

“They both know how much football means to me and the support has been great, I am feeling a lot better in myself on the back of the past two games and getting goals.

“You couldn’t talk about it, even five years ago.

“I think it was more of an embarrassment, people didn’t really want to talk about these things or own up to something others saw as a weakness.

“To be honest I have kept it quiet for quite a few years, football has not always been an environment you want to open yourself up in but things have changed, particularly in non-league.

“The support you get on and off the pitch from fans, management, players and coaches is unbelievable and hats off to Worcester, I have had non-stop support from the word go."

Jeys hit the ground running despite missing the bulk of pre-season, notching twice from the bench to give City hope in a 4-3 defeat at Newark Flowserve.

“I was surprised to get called up to the squad to be honest," added Jeys.

“Ash rang me the night before to ask how I felt and whether I wanted to be involved as he had a late drop out.

“I got to come on and just thought ‘I’m going to hit this’ when the free-kick came about. The second time the drop dropped nicely and luckily they both went in."

Having gained more minutes from the bench in the 1-0 win over South Normanton Athletic on Wednesday, Jeys now has his sights set on FA Cup glory against Stone Old Alleynians tomorrow (Sunday, 3pm).

“It is a big one for the club and the lads," said Jeys.

“We had a talk about it after Wednesday’s game on the back of a grinding out a good win. We want more now and keep winning.

“Yes, it is the FA Cup but our thinking is that it is just another game we want to win to build momentum and a run in the cup would be nice."