BURNHAM Ramblers boss Keith Wilson believes new loanee Steve Butterworth will be a valuable asset during his time at Leslie Field.

The front man has joined on a short-term deal from Kingstonian.

He is looking to get games under his belt after having knee surgery in the summer.

And he wasted no time in getting on the score-sheet, netting on his debut in Tuesday’s 5-2 friendly defeat against Enfield Town Under-21s.

“Steve feels ready to pull on his boots again and he sent me a text message out of the blue earlier in the week,” said Wilson.

“We know it’s only a short-term arrangement – he’ll play for us but lives in Surrey, so will continue training with Kingstonian.

“But hopefully we can help each other out and I expect him to be available for the next five or six matches, certainly throughout September.

“He can play out wide or up top and I’m delighted, because he’s the best attacking player I played with (at Great Wakering Rovers).

“Had he trained properly, he had all the attributes to go professional.

“He’s still not fully fit but will get better and better and he’s the kind of player who’s capable of pulling something out of the hat.”

In addition to Wakering, Butterworth had a long spell at Dartford before spending time with Brentwood, Harrow Borough and Carshalton Athletic, before arriving at Kingstonian.

Wilson said Tuesday’s result was of little significance but was pleased to fix up a match, having been let down by Runwell Hospital on Saturday.

The sides had been due to meet in a friendly but it was cancelled by the Essex Olympian League side.

Burnham moved quickly to arrange the Enfield game as they wanted some action before Saturday’s eagerly-awaited FA Vase first qualifying round tie at Sporting Bengal United (kick-off 3pm).

“Enfield were a very decent side but the score was irrelevant,” said Wilson, who hopes his side can make it three wins in a row, following recent successes against Waltham Forest and London Bari.

“From our point of view, it was about giving our players some game-time and it certainly served a purpose.

“It was a pleasing work-out and, overall, we did OK.

“Now we’re all looking forward to Saturday.

“It’s a tough but winnable tie and there’s no reason why a team like ourselves can’t go on a Vase run.

“I’d love that and while important in terms of the club’s finances, it would also be great to have a good away day somewhere.

“It’s always nice to go somewhere you don’t normally go and it’s those kind of trips that bring everyone together and are fantastic for team spirit.”

As a player, Wilson reached the last 16 of the Vase with East Thurrock United, before conceding a last-gasp winner and losing 2-1 at Wimborne Town.

Bradley Nobbs is the only injury doubt for Saturday’s match, having taken a knock to his leg on Tuesday night.