GREAT Wakering Rovers have beaten a host of clubs to acquiring the services of former Basildon United winger Ayo Odukoya.

Odukoya has completed his move to Burroughs Park just a matter of days after leaving the Bees.

And Wakering player-manager Steve Butterworth admits he has been interested in signing Odukoya, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, for some time.

“We played against Basildon in the early stages of the campaign and he was the standout player,” said Butterworth.

“Although he got sent off, that was only because we tried to frustrate him because of how well he was playing.

“I’ve been interested in signing him since and every time I have seen him play, he looked most likely to make something happen for Basildon.

“He has been playing out wide all season but he prefers to play up front and he gives us that added versatility.

“Although we have scored a lot of goals, our strikers have not scored as many as they would have liked this season and Ayo will provide competition for places in that position as well as on the wing.

“Wherever he plays on the pitch, I know he will add something to our team.”

Odukoya joined Basildon in the summer and made a blistering start to his Bees career as he scored five goals in his first three appearances and notched a hat-trick in a 6-0 thumping of Romford.

However, after changes to Basildon’s financial situation due to the club’s main sponsor withdrawing their backing, Odukoya was among a number of stars to depart the Isthmian North club.

The 21-year-old attracted interest after confirming he was no longer on Basildon’s books but, following a meeting with Butterworth, he chose to join Wakering.

“I met Ayo on Tuesday night and he is still young,” added Butterworth, whose side are marginally outside of the play-off places.

“He is a really nice kid and, although a number of clubs wanted him to join them, I got in there first.

“After asking him to join, he agreed and I don’t think he is the type of kid to go against his word.

“I know he had offers from one or two clubs at a higher level but I told him that, at the age of 21, he needs to be playing games.

“Ayo has already scored 11 goals this season and it’s up to him to kick-on now.

“I want him to play with confidence, like how he has been.”