Joint manager Graham Golds believes City’s new signing Sam Corcoran could be the “missing piece of the jigsaw”.

The Saints officially signed the 22-year-old from Albany Creek Excelsior FC of the Australian Brisbane League today (Friday) but Golds revealed Corcoran has been training with the first team for over eight weeks.

“We’ve been waiting for his clearance from Australia,” Golds told the Herts Ad.

“We wanted to sign him when he started training with us but we had to wait for his clearance.”

Corcoran has now been passed to play but he will be kept on the shelf for a couple of weeks while he recovers from a broken foot he sustained during training with the Saints.

“It’s very frustrating,” conceded Golds.

“Two weeks before his clearance he broke his foot. He’ll be in training his weekend and should make his debut before March.”

As well as Albany Creek Excelsior FC, the attacking midfielder, who had a hand in helping Golds and James Gray target Kerrea Gilbert, has also played for Colchester United, Chelmsford City and Hayes & Yeading United.

Golds said Corcoran will be a “great asset”.

“We had an open game about six weeks ago and he was outstanding. He‘s strong on the ball, he’s creative and he’ll get his fair share of goals. He’s brings something different to the table.”

He added: “We’ve got a great blend in the midfield and it’s the perfect time for Corkers to come in with David Keenleyside out for a while.”