Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has slapped a ‘come-and-get-him-tag’ on Tom Bird – but only if a Football League club comes calling.

The 22-year-old has started pre-season in some style, leading the Kingsmeadow chief to tip him for a move in to the professional ranks.

Bird signed a contract with Ks in the summer meaning any move would probably bring some much-needed cash into the Ks coffers.

Former star Christian Jolley will play in League Two this season after AFC Wimbledon paid £5,000 for his services last summer.

And Dowson reckons Bird, who arrived at the club on the back of a recommendation from former England international Andy Sinton, has the potnetial to follow him in to the big leagues.

“I know a few scouts who have been down at our games recently and I don’t think there is anyone else in my team they would be looking at,” he said.

“I would have though he’ll be the next Kingstonian player to play in the Football League.

“He’s got energy to burn and is only going to get better. If I was a League Two manager I would sign him in a shot.”

Ks were well beaten 2-0 – thanks to goals from former Brentford striker Moses Ademola – when Blue Square South Woking visited Kingsmeadow on Saturday, And Dowson was delighted with the performance.

“We’ve played four very strong teams in pre-season. No one else is pulling up any trees,” he added.

“Our defence is much better and once Paul Olima gets going up front he’ll be a handful as well.

“We are stronger, but I’ve got to make sure we make that count come the start of the season.”

Dowson will again run the rule over former York City man Neil Barrett, 29, this week after the striker failed to land a deal with Blue Square Premier Luton Town.