Alex Lacey is primed to make his Notts County debut at Chesterfield and boss Neal Ardley believes the defender is "hungry to do well".
The centre-back is likely to start the FA Trophy clash against the Spireites which will be his first involvement since signing on a free transfer in early November.
Having missed pre-season after a deal at Bury fell through as a result of their financial crisis, Lacey, released by Gillingham last season, has been working his way back to fitness over the last few weeks.
But he is now ready to make his bow for Notts at the Proact and boss Ardley says the former Luton defender will undoubtedly challenge for a regular first-team spot.
Asked whether Lacey would play, Ardley said: “That’s the aim, providing nothing happens between now and the game.
“He’s an experienced player who’s won promotion from the National League and League Two – he’s also won Player of the Year awards and played in League One.
“He’s got pedigree, he’s a good age and is hungry to do well after a tough summer when he was lined up to join Bury.
“If he does well, he’ll bring competition for Ben Turner and Connell Rawlinson who’ll know they'll have to make sure they’re on point to get picked.”
