MANAGER Paul Smith says new striker Montel Gibson has all the attributes to be a big hit for Halesowen Town this season.

The former Notts County, Ilkeston and Redditch United hitman has signed a contract with the Yeltz as they look to make an immediate return to the Southern League Central.

The 21-year-old announced himself to the Halesowen fans by netting four in Tuesday night's 7-0 success at Boldmere following a brace at Cradley Town last week.

Smith is excited to have captured the striker and believes he's now ready to make his mark in the game.

He said: "I've worked with Montel before at Redditch but he couldn't split his outside life with his football life at the time and in the end I had to let him go.

"I always knew there was a really good footballer in there and he's got his head right now and is putting in the right application and has been nothing short of outstanding so far.

"There was interest in him which is why we were keen to get him nailed down to a contract.It's great he's going to be with us this year.

"He can go as far as wants as long as he continues to listen and continues to work as hard as he has been doing.

"He can be a major player for us and has the ability to score a bag full of goals."

On the Boldmere win, he added: "I thought we played some really nice stuff but what is most pleasing is the way the players are taking our instructions on board.

"That is testament to their hard work that they are able to put in these performances so early in pre-season.

"I also don't think we are anywhere near the finished article at the moment, which is the pleasing part and leads me to think this group can achieve big things.

"The big thing now is that we keep our feet on the ground and keep working. We have done well in games so far but nothing is won in June and July."

Halesowen now face rivals Stourbridge in their next friendly this Saturday.

"I understand these games are important to the fans but we won't be approaching it any differently. No points can be won and we just want to keep building.

"We will be trying our hardest to win it for the fans but you have to remember the bigger picture as well."