Jo N’Guessan gives St Albans City more options for the final run-in, says joint manager James Gray.

The 19-year-old joined up win the team on Monday night to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Joint managers James Gray and Graham Golds targeted N’Guessan five weeks ago, after he returned to Boro following a loan spell at Conference Premier outfit Aldershot, and have finally managed to secure his services.

With the loan window closing on Thursday, Gray wanted as many options as possible for the six-game run-in to the end of the season. “He brings pace first and foremost and he’s another option; he can play as a striker, on either flank or in behind,” said Gray, who added that he looked very sharp in a two-goal showing on Monday.

“The deadline is on Thursday so we need to make sure we have enough players in place; we can’t bring anyone else in.

“He’s got a good record having played in the Conference Premier this season and Stevenage have high hopes for him.”

Gray is also hoping N’Guessan’s professionalism will rub off on his players.

“He’ll be a good to have around for young players. He’s already asked if he can wear a hat in the warm-up – our lads wouldn’t,” explained Gray. “The lads can learn a lot from him and, on the pitch, hopefully he can be a real asset.”