BROMSGROVE Rovers have pulled off a sizeable transfer coup by capturing highly-rated former Kidderminster Harriers French star Parfait Medou-Otye from Stourport Swifts.

Medou-Otye, who has just returned from visiting family in France, joins Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's squad just days before Rovers travel to Swifts in the Dr Martens Western.

The former Le Havre and Le Mans UC 72 man, who can play in defence or midfield, joined Swifts last September after being given the all-clear following a heart condition scare.

Cameroon-born Medou-Otye, 26-years-old this Friday, was due to hold talks with Hackett yesterday to decide whether he will make his debut against his former club this Saturday.

But Rovers are aware Medou-Otye wants to get back into the professional game and may face an approach by Conference side Telford United although no formal contact has been made.

Joint manager Hackett said: "He is a Bromsgrove Rovers player now. I don't think anything has happened with Telford and if anything did happen, they would have to approach us."

And Hackett believes the Frenchman, who played ten games for Scottish side Greenock Morton last year, can only bolster his squad.

"We need a strong squad," Hackett said. "Fortunately, everyone is fit again and there's competition for places and that is healthy.

"Everyone is fighting for a place and he will fight for a place like anybody else. It's all about performances in this game, reputations can get found out."

Saturday's match with Swifts sees Hackett against good friend and Swifts boss Dave Titterton as Rovers attempt to right Monday's poor display at Solihull.

But, being a local derby, Hackett knows the form book goes out of the window.

He added: "They are playing a lot better than their results suggest. It will be a tough game."