Eastbourne Borough striker Matt Allen would like a shot at a professional career.

The 20-year-old has grabbed seven goals in four games to surge up the Dr Martens League Eastern Division goalscorers chart including a hat-trick last Saturday in a superb 4-0 victory over top-of-the-table Grantham at Priory Lane.

It is the sort of form that is likely to attract the scouts and Allen would welcome a chance to prove himself at a higher level.

Allen said: "I want to play at the highest level I can. I have always set myself high targets and would love the opportunity to play at a higher level or even professional level."

He added: "I was with Sheffield United and Brighton as a youth player. I know I can do it but it is just a case of getting the right opportunity."

Borough would hate to lose the frontman but have wisely put him on contract.

Coach Nick Greenwood said: "Matt's in the first year of a three-year contract. We would not like to see him go but if a big club came in for him, we would not want to stand in his way.

"I am delighted things are going really well for him and he is a big part of our future plans."

Borough fans will be relieved that Allen loves being at Priory Lane.

He said: "It is a brilliant club which is really going places. I haven't been here that long but I have seen pictures of how the club used to look. It has improved so much over just a few years.

"A lot of effort has been put in by a lot of people. It is the sort of club where everyone is working for each other."

Allen would like some silverware at the end of this season.

He said: "The two cups we are in probably offer the best possibility of winning something now. We still have a lot to play for this season."

Borough play their rescheduled Sussex Senior Cup quarter-final with local rivals Eastbourne United on Tuesday after last week's game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They also have a quarter-final with Ashford to come in the Dr Martens League Cup.