PORTLAND United will “monitor” potential interest from other clubs in their prolific striker Greg Borthwick, manager Kyle Critchell says.

Portland’s star forward has been in blistering form this season, netting 13 goals in eight games and scoring in each.

His tally includes hat-tricks against Hythe & Dibden and Wincanton Town, with Borthwick already matching his haul of 13 goals from last season.

And Portland are expecting overtures from other clubs higher up the pyramid for Borthwick’s services if he continues to bang the goals in.

Critchell told Echosport: “I wouldn’t be surprised and that’s definitely something that was said on the bus home.

READ MORE: Hythe & Dibden 0-4 Portland United - report

“Ultimately, my job is to make sure that the players are performing. If they get opportunities that are from leagues above, then I’ve done my job and I couldn’t be prouder.

“We’ll obviously monitor it, keep an eye on things, but I’m delighted for him to be performing at that level and those standards.”

Critchell added: “It’s a reflection of his attitude towards the game and how he’s turned up in pre-season, how he’s willing to give everything to the team.

“He is a real team player and isn’t selfish. He sacrifices an awful lot to make sure we can get up the pitch. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievements.

“He’s not had that academy upbringing. At one point I think he almost quit the game.

“So, at 31 he's probably enjoying it more than he ever has done and I’m just delighted for him.”

While Borthwick and his teammates have plundered 22 goals in the last five games in all competitions, Portland have also kept three successive clean sheets.

The statistic was not lost on Critchell, who also took time to praise Portland's defence.

He said: “Especially the way we’ve worked and what we had to do when we walked into the club.

“Organisation and structure is not easy and it really is from front to back. Yes, the plaudits will be the defenders but our shape and organisation starts from the top and filters back.

“Very good news we’re keeping clean sheets. We’re not necessarily playing the best but that’s when you know you’re starting to turn into a very good team.”

Portland host struggling Blackfield & Langley on Saturday (3pm).