Boss Matt Henman believes midfielder Ross Bailey can make an instant impact at Dereham Town, writes Gavin Caney.

The Ryman North play-off hopefuls signed the 20-year-old from Premier Division Bury Town on Tuesday. And the Magpies' manager is certain the former England under-18s schools international will not take long to flourish at Aldiss Park.

Henman said: 'I think he fits in with the profile of players we like to build the club around. He's the right age, he's technically very good, and he'll fit in with the way we play because he's comfortable in possession.

'He's had experience of playing 40 to 50 games at the level we're trying to get to so hopefully he can be a big part of that push. He knows the club as he played a year or two of youth football here and lives within 35 minutes or so of the ground.

'I know we've got a lot of midfielders but we've had issues with unavailability so it just seems everything is right for him to come in and hopefully have a positive effect.'

Bailey has spent time with Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Mildenhall Town on 'loan' this season, as well as making 11 appearances for Bury. But he has grown frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities in Suffolk and decided to drop down a level to reignite his non-league career.

'I think he's hungry to play and show people what he can do,' said his new manager in Norfolk.

'He's got a point to prove, not to me, because when you're out of the team it does dent your pride and hurt a little bit. So he'll be keen to prove people wrong. But I think most importantly he just wants to get out there and play some football.'

On his departure, manager Ben Chenery told Bury's website: 'Ross needs to find more game time at this point in his career and I told him that his chances would be limited here for the rest of the season, so I have helped him find a new club in the Ryman League and this will help his development.'

The product of the Blues' Academy system is in line to make his debut at Cheshunt on Saturday as his new team, seventh, look to close the gap on the top five.

They are now seven points adrift, with games in hand, after Saturday's match at home to Tilbury and Tuesday's trip to Waltham Abbey fell foul of the weather.

After the weekend a massive game at Brentwood, currently fifth, becomes the latest test for Henman's promotion-hunting squad.

Long-term absentees Adam Smith and Luke Tuttle are unavailable for both matches as are Toby Hilliard (illness) and Matt Hockley. Tuesday's fixture in Essex will see the Magpies without the services of Dan Morphew (university) and Michael Clunan (work).