Ryan Oliver is the man Spalding United boss Pat Rayment has identified to kick-start his stuttering frontline.
The 24-year-old striker goes straight into the starting line-up against Newcastle Town on Saturday (Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, 3pm).
And Oliver, who played his final game for Deeping Rangers in a 2-1 Lincs Senior Cup win at Bourne Town on Tuesday, cannot wait to get started.
“I’m really pleased to be given this chance,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got the ability to do well.”
Rayment sees 6ft 2in Oliver as the perfect foil for Andrew Tidswell, who’s still to hit form after the Tulips’ disrupted pre-season schedule and missing some early games.
A popular player at Stamford and Sleaford Town too, Oliver has hit three league and cup goals this season for Deeping. And Rayment won’t want reminding of the 25-yard free-kick which the striker smashed past the Tulips in a 4-0 pre-season defeat.
Oliver, who played under Rayment at Deeping and Stamford, said: “Pat came in for me in pre-season but I just didn’t think the time was right.
“I wanted to see how it would go at Deeping this season but for one reason or another it’s not turned out how I’d hoped.
“I just feel now is the time to give it a shot at Spalding.
“I know a few of the players from the UCL scene, and I used to live with Mark Jones and played with Mitch Griffiths at Deeping so I’m looking forward to it.
“I know I’m not going to start every week but I like to think I can play a part.”
One match Oliver will definitely not be figuring in is the FA Cup second round qualifying trip to Norton United on Saturday week. He’s cup-tied after playing for Deeping against Norwich United.
The Tulips have been a little shy in front of goal this season – Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Holwell Sports could have been twice as big but for some wastefulness.
Rayment said: “Ryan is potentially one of the most frustrating players.
“When he was playing for me at Deeping, we beat King’s Lynn and he shot them to bits. The following game he got a hat-trick but that was as good as it got!
“But I’m hoping to provide him with a stepping stone to prove his potential at a higher level.
“We’ll get him a level of fitness but Ryan can play.
“We’re not a hoofing team but he’ll provide us with a target man. He’s got a good touch to get a shot off.”
Oliver said Deeping boss Tuncay Korkmaz had been “superb” about the Tulips’ approach and recommended that his player give it a chance, while leaving the door open at Outgang Road if it doesn’t work out.
