Hitchin Town boss Mark Burke has compared highly-rated striker Callum Stead to Jamie Vardy as the Canaries gear up for their FA Cup clash with St Albans on Saturday.

Burke's side travel to Clarence Park to take on a Saints side from National League South in a Hertfordshire derby.

Having eased past Needham Market 3-0 at Top Field in the first qualifying round last month, with Callum Stead grabbing a brace, hopes are high of another cup run.

Stead has impressed many observers this season with his eye for a goal and immense work rate on and off the ball – prompting comparisons with Vardy.

The Foxes striker started his career at non-league level with Stockbridge Swifts before rising to the heady heights of the Premier League title, England recognition and Champions League appearances.

While no-one is expecting Stead to emulate those successes – even if it would be nice if he did – his manager has drawn comparison with the all-action, high-tempo Leicester forward.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News boss Burke said: "It's only early days of course but Callum has done so well this season for us so far.

"He reminds me of Jamie Vardy in that he's got an eye for goal and he works his socks off. His work rate off the ball is so good as well.

"How far can he go? He needs a couple of years here with us but if he performs as well as he can he's got half a chance of progressing further.

"He's not the biggest but he's got a great spring. He's got a lot going for him."

Stead, a former Luton Town academy forward impressed during his spell at Welwyn Garden City with Canaries No2 Brett Donnelly also singing his praises ahead of the big game on Saturday.

Donnelly, who terrorised defences for years in non-league circles has been boosting the Canaries as coach this term.

The former Bigglewade Town striker and ex-coach has been relishing his role as Burke's right hand man, as he hailed Stead, explaining: "Callum's got no ego.

"He works so hard, his attitude is great. You can see how much he cares. If he gives the ball away you can see how annoyed he is with himself and works so hard to get it back.

"As a forward myself I know how it would drive defenders insane because you simply wouldn't have any time on the ball. He works so hard I have to tell him not to run around so much.

"He makes excellent runs off the back of a centre-half. We're not telling him to do that, it's his natural instinct – which is great to see."

Beating Needham Market in the cup gave a boost to club's finances with boss Burke explaining that while he knows it will be a tough clash, his aim is to progress further against the Saints, who are led by former Arsenal attacker Ian Allinson.

Burke: "It all goes into the pot and that helps. If we can have a little run in the FA Cup that would be nice. It'd set up the season nicely.

"There's a really good feel around the club, maybe we benefitted from the community backing us and it's given everyone a lift. If you win games you're going to make people happy."