Worcester City have taken a "punt" on Marius Ologu, admits joint-boss Carl Heeley

The 26-year-old joined City from West Midlands League Premier Division side Dudley Town last week and was an unused substitute for their 3-2 win at AFC Fylde.

Heeley said he and Matt Gardiner came across Ologu in a training session and felt he had the “attacking flair” to help their side in Vanarama National League North.

The pair later found out Ologu had played professionally for FC Caransebes in Romania’s second tier as well as Universitatea Craiova, Astra Ploiesti, CS Turnu Severin, ASA Targu Mures and National Sebis in his homeland.

“Matt and I were watching him and we thought this lad has got some ability, so we asked a few questions about him,” Heeley said.

“It then came to light he had got a great pedigree, so we have taken a punt on him.

“It is short term, so we thought we would have a look and see how he goes.

“But the match against Fylde was not a game to gamble on players we don’t know much about.

“It was a day to be predictable.

“We would like to think he has got the attacking flair and the creativity to play in the number 10 role but we need to play him in and get him up to match fitness before we start throwing him in at the deep end.”

Ologu could make his first appearance against North Ferriby United at Aggborough on Saturday (3pm) when Heeley hopes to see experienced striker Lee Hughes back in action.

“Lee is still struggling with his thigh,” said Heeley, who was also without centre half Tom Sharpe at Fylde due to illness.

“He is getting there but unfortunately it was a little too soon for him.”

Daniel Nti scored an 82nd-minute winner as City moved up to 16th and Heeley said it was now important to back that performance up against second-placed North Ferriby.

“We have got ability in all areas but you need everybody with the same common goal to get the same results,” he added.

“It was great to win on Saturday because I don’t think many people thought we would but we have got to win a lot more games.”