Mansfield Town players Sam Clucas and Ollie Palmer are destined to play in the Championship according to boss Paul Cox.

Cox said: “If they keep progressing and learning in the way that they are and working hard, then they have the ability to earn a very good living from the game and play at a high level.

“I do not see any reason why they cannot make it to the Championship.

“They need to keep learning, but they are both going to be very good players. I am delighted they are playing for us this season.”

Clucas, signed from Hereford, has caught the eye for Stags during pre-season with a number of impressive peformances.

Palmer, who made his debut for Stags in the 2-0 opening day defeat at Scunthorpe United, joined Havant & Waterlooville in September 2011 after a spell with Woking and Boreham Wood.

He replaces last season’s top scorer and BSP Player of the Year Matt Green who joined Birmingham City during the summer