AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards is impressed by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's desire

The Bucks tied up a deal for the 31-year-old former Wolves and Shrewsbury Town man – who had been a free agent after his release from Chesterfield at the end of last season – yesterday.

He trained with Telford last month and – following a trial at a Belgian club – has returned and agreed to join Edwards’ side.

“When we had him in for training, I didn’t want to build up too much – but we were hopeful,” said Edwards.

“Sylvan, understandably, wanted to play things by ear and see what was out there but he appreciated we were facilitating sessions, with the group, to build up his fitness. We thought it may be out of reach, but we got it done.

“It’s a big coup for the football club. He has had a rough time with injuries over the past few years, they can change careers.

“He’s saying all the right things now though, showing a lot of desire.

“And let’s face it, if he wasn’t motivated then he wouldn’t have signed for us.”

Ebanks-Blake enjoyed three seasons in the Premier League with Wolves, after scoring 25 goals in their 2008/09 Championship-winning campaign – earning the league’s Golden Boot award for the second season running.

After his departure from Molineux in 2013, the ex-Manchester United youngster played for Ipswich Town, Preston North End, Chesterfield and Shrewsbury.

His brief spell at Salop last season was marred by a reported altercation at the team’s Christmas party.

Ebanks-Blake has one England Under-21 cap to his name and Edwards said: “It’s down to him to do the business now.

“You want good players in your team, good characters – and Sylvan ticks those boxes. He has been a high-level performer and we have to make sure that we have him fit and firing, ready to go.”

He added: “I want everyone to really get behind him. It may be challenging for him at first as it’s new to him, as it was for me at the start of the season.”

Ebanks-Blake is set to feature in Telford’s FA Trophy clash against Droylsden today.