HALSTEAD TOWN boss Mark Benterman believes new loanee Adam Daniels will prove a real handful for Thurlow Nunn League defences.

The front man, who can also play in defence, has joined on a month-long deal from premier division side FC CLACTON.

He made his Humbugs debut in last weekend’s reserve-team match against Hadleigh United.

And he followed it up with another impressive show in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw in a friendly at parent club Clacton, which was abandoned due to fog after around 70 minutes.

“Adam’s a big, strong lad and you could see what he brought to the team on Tuesday night,” said a delighted Benterman.

“He’ll flick the ball on, hold it up and he’s a real handful.

“He reminds me of someone like John Hartson.

“He’ll get at least ten goals a season and I think he’ll also create a lot of chances.

“He offers us something different to what we’ve already got.

“He’s also experienced, he can play in a number of positions and hopefully a deal like this helps him out, plus both ourselves and Clacton.

“Who knows, if it suits all parties then maybe it’s an arrangement we can look to extend after a month.”

Halstead had been due to visit Great Yarmouth in a division one fixture last Saturday.

However, the match was postponed by the local council, as a consequence of the recent storms.

The Humbugs return to action today, at home to Debenham LC.

“It’s a tough game and the following two (away to Haverhill Borough and at home to Saffron Walden) are perhaps even tougher,” said Benterman.

“But I believe in the squad we’ve got here and believe we can challenge.

“Both the chairman and myself believe we’re ahead of where we planned to be at this stage and neither of us could be happier.

“Hopefully we can stay in the mix over Christmas.”

Gareth Thomas will miss out until the new year, due to injury.

Andy Joslin, meanwhile, will also be sidelined due to a three-game suspension.