Sleaford Town boss Brian Rowland insists his star striker Miles Hunter is "very happy" to be at Eslaforde Park – despite a string of clubs reportedly showing interest in the league's leading marksman.

Hunter has proved a scoring sensation in the United Counties League Premier Division, netting 29 league goals in 21 games, bagging five hat-tricks in the process.

"Miles is very happy with us," said Rowland.

"But if he wanted to leave to play higher then I wouldn't stand in his way, but we'll have to cross that bridge if and when we come to it."

Boston United failed in an attempt to sign the striker earlier this season while Gainsborough Trinity and Lincoln City have both been rumoured to be looking at the forward.

Sleaford host St Ives Town tomorrow (3pm) on the back of a 1-1 draw at Bourne Town on Wednesday, in which Hunter was again on the scoresheet.

"We beat St Ives 1-0 at their place earlier in the season but they were a good side," said Rowland.

"Our squad has been stretched to the limit with injuries to our defence.

"Three of our defenders – Josh Giles, Kris Jones and Lee Llewellyn – are all injured and we have had problems at left-back all season.

"After beating Yaxley 4-2 on Saturday I had to make six changes to the team for Tuesday's game through injuries and players not being available.

"We had a poor December when we lost three league games but our form has picked up again.

"The key thing from now until the end of the season is that we can keep the team together."

Nick Bishop has come up from the Eslaforde Park reserve side and will retain his place in the first-team squad.