HOT-SHOT striker Billy O'Callaghan wants to quit Accrington Stanley at the end of the season.

The Reds 25-goal leading scorer will walk out on the Crown Ground side when his contract runs out in May unless Stanley stay up AND chairman Eric Whalley makes a 'mega money' offer to persuade him to stay.

"Realistically, I can't see myself being here next season.

"I only signed a one-year contract and I told Eric if I had a good season he'd have to make me a very good offer to stay.

"Unless he breaks the bank I'd rather leave.

"I certainly wouldn't fancy playing in the First Division next season because I've been there before and I know how hard it is to get back out of it.

"I want to step up, not back."

The ex-Droylsden frontman is desperate to put his goalpoaching skills to the test at a higher level after making an astonishing impact in his debut season in the UniBond Premier Division. And he believes he's good enough to do a job in the Football League provided a club takes a gamble and gives him his chance.

"I want to make another step up in my own career, whether that's in the Conference or professionally.

"If I did turn pro I think I could do someone a great job in the lower leagues.

"I'll always score goals and I'm delighted with how many I've got this season, especially with it being my first in the UniBond Premier Division.

"I've taken the step up in my stride but I'm a worker and I like to graft for my goals.

"Imagine what I could do in a quality side."

News of O'Callaghan's desire to quit is sure to rock Stanley supporters.

His 25 goals so far this season have been the one bright spot of another depressing campaign and if the Reds do beat the drop, it will be largely down to him. Stanley's second-leading goalscorers are Paul Heavey, Neil Doherty and Tony Black with just three goals apiece - and Black and Doherty are no longer at the club.

But at least with O'Callaghan committed to the cause Wayne Harrison's men still have a fighting chance of staying up.

Three goals in his last two games have helped spark a Stanley revival thanks to impressive back-to-back wins over Gainsborough and Emley.

That has moved them to within striking distance of second-bottom Chorley and, with the chance of only one club going down still possible, it's vital they at least finish above the Magpies.

But O'Callaghan prefers to put the side's resurgence down to some new-found defensive qualities.

"The last two wins have given everyone a real lift. "There have been times this season where we've gone 2-0 up, I've scored both goals, and then we've ended up getting beat 3-2.

"It feels like you've put in all that hard work for nothing.

"But in the last two games we've defended well as a whole team which is something that hasn't been happening this season.

"Wayne has also brought a few lads in who haven't been playing and they've taken their chance.

"Steve Baines, for instance, has been absolutely brilliant since he came back - I think he had a point to prove - and it's made a difference."

Stanley boss Wayne Harrison has a major selection headache ahead of tomorrow's trip to Colwyn Bay.

Paul Lynch (ankle), Noel Horner (calf), Mike Langhorn (hamstring), and Paul Bottomley (knee) are all struggling to be fit as the Reds chase their third successive victory. The match kicks off at 1pm.

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