AFC Telford unlikely to hang on to Hassan

The powerful striker signed on Tuesday after being surprisingly released by Kidderminster Harriers and made his debut that night as a late substitute in the 3-1 win at FC United of Manchester.

Hassan joins a growing striking contingent at the New Bucks Head which also includes Dave Hibbert, on-loan Connor McCarthy, Ryan Rowe and Danny Glover.

"He's going to be a big player for us. It might only be a short-term thing – a two-month contract maybe – but he's a big lad and he's a threat," said Smith.

"Up front we're scoring goals now, that's the big thing."

The Bucks boss admitted he was surprised the 22-year-old former Harrogate and Hartlepool attacker was released after scoring once in three games for Harriers.

And he revealed the persistence of assistant boss Larry Chambers sealed the deal.

"We watched him at Kiddy and thought he was their best player and couldn't believe he was released," said Smith.

"So we put a throwaway phone call in but he'd been training with Yeovil and FC Halifax, Macclesfield and a couple of other sides wanted him.

"But when Larry phones people up, he's pretty persistent and I think he just gave in!"

Hibbert has backed himself and McCarthy to give Hassan a run for his money, however.

"Connor and myself have struck up a really good partnership. We like playing with each other and we bounce off each other," he said.

"We complement each other. I can do the horrible stuff and take the pressure off him and he can drop into those dangerous areas.

"We're scoring goals and causing the opposition defences problems by helping each other and hopefully we can keep that going."

But Hibbert welcomed the competition Hassan brings and believes it will only make each forward and the team more competitive.

"It all bodes well and that's what we want," said the experienced forward.

Smith was last night still waiting to hear from FC Halifax over his bid to extend the loan of defender Graham Hutchison into a third month.

The 22-year-old's second month's stay ends after today's game at Corby.

But Smith wants cover at the back with captain Paul McCone out with knee ligament damage sustained in midweek.