LIAM McDonald has predicted new striker Courtney Baker-Richardson will be a big hit for Redditch United.

The 19-year-old has joined from Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South side Romulus.

The former Coventry City academy product, who played for the Sky Blues in the FA Cup against Hartlepool, was the manager’s first choice to replace top scorer Jermaine Hylton.

Baker-Richardson, who has also played for Tamworth and Nuneaton, has scored 11 goals for Romulus this season.

He will have to wait for his debut after Wednesday night's game at Cambridge City was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

He said: “Courtney is going to be an absolutely brilliant player for us.

“He’s a big strong guy, who is also quick and skilful and he was my first choice to replace Jermaine.

“It’s taken a while to get him and I have had to be patient but I am delighted he’s here.”

United will be hoping the forward’s arrival will coincide with a return to form after two away defeats.

The Reds were shot down 3-2 at Truro last Tuesday in a mammoth midweek away trip.

But McDonald was frustrated by United’s 3-2 loss to Cirencester on Saturday. Luke Shearer and Ashley Sammons scored but United succumbed to a second half fight-back by Cirencester.

“I thought we played well in Truro but Cirencester was another story,” lamented McDonald.

“It’s not very often I feel we don’t give everything but we were nowhere near our best and it wasn’t acceptable.

“I am expecting a response at Cambridge in what is a very big game.”

Redditch have slipped to fifth in the table but the Reds boss believes the next five games against Cambridge, Hitchin, Paulton Rovers, Weymouth and Hungerford are key.

“We’ve got five cup finals coming up. People expect us to slip up but I have faith in the players I have,” added the manager.

Redditch entertain Hitchin at home on Saturday (3pm ko).