Nicky Morgan has set his sights on a return to the Football League after quitting Braintree Town.

The reliable shot-stopper has brought the curtain down on a successful three-year spell with the Blue Square South outfit, in the hope of progressing his career at a bigger club.

Morgan was a professional at Southend United prior to joining Braintree in 2005, though he spent the majority of his spell with the Shrimpers in the reserves.

And although he said he would be happy to play for a Blue Square Premier club next season, he would prefer to return to the Football League.

He told the Gazette: "My main aim is to play for a Football League club.

"So far the main interest has been from Conference clubs but it's early days.

"I'll enjoy a little break and then see what happens after that.

"Being a number one and playing every week in the Conference with Braintree would have been great experience.

"That's why everyone wants to play at a higher level.

"I think that's what every player aims for.

"I'd like to play in the Football League but it certainly wouldn't be the end of the world if I ended up playing for a Conference club next season."

Morgan has been a consistent performer for Braintree over the last two seasons, helping them reach the Blue Square South play-offs two seasons running.

However, Morgan and his team-mates missed out on promotion on both occasions.

Although he admitted it was a difficult decision to leave Braintree, the lofty goalkeeper thinks the time is now right to return to the professional game.

"It was a really tough decision," he said.

"I had three good years at Braintree Town but the reason I decided to leave was because it got to a stage where I had been playing regularly and spent two seasons trying to get into the Conference.

"I felt that if I didn't make the move now, I might end up regretting it."