EASTLEIGH boss Chris Todd has high hopes for “dynamic" new arrival Luke Coulson, signed for an undisclosed fee from National League South high-riders Oxford City.

The versatile 21-year-old was unveiled today along with Portsmouth goalkeeper Michael Poke – and moves are afoot to draft in extra strike power before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Prior to signing for Oxford last January, St Helens-born Coulson spent ten years in the youth ranks at Manchester City and two as a young professional at Cardiff.

His outstanding form as a right wing-back has attracted the attention of several Football/National League clubs and Todd is delighted to have landed him on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

“Luke can play everywhere – right wing-back, right wing, midfield, centre half – he’s really exciting,” he said.

“He’s everything I like in a player and he’s got a big future if he keeps his feet on the ground.

“Luke’s hungry to succeed, he’s a good character and a very good footballer.

“He’s dynamic, busy, physically strong, with a good stature – an athlete.

“Everyone’s been after him but not done anything about it and I’m glad we’ve pushed the boat out and got him. He’s been on our radar for a while.

“He’s been very, very good for Oxford City – hence they are where they are.

“We’re bringing him in so he can grow with us. He’s part of the future of this club and wants to go to the next level.”

Ex-Saints ’keeper Poke, 30, initially joined Eastleigh on loan from Portsmouth in July to cover for an injury to Ross Flitney, but then he himself got injured and was unable to build on nine league starts before returning to Fratton Park.

Todd moved straight in when he was released by Pompey this week and said: “He’ll be tremendous competition for Ross.

“Ross is doing well, but any club needs quality competition.”

It was 22 games ago that Welshman Todd kicked off his reign as manager with a 3-2 National League win at Wrexham and, weather allowing, he will be looking to do the double over the Dragons at the Silverlake on Saturday.

Coulson will be involved, but top scorer James Constable, who pulled up with a thigh tweak prior to the 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood, is doubtful. “I thought he'd be alright, but he struggled a bit in training. It’s more precaution than anything,” Todd explained.

"We're short of strikers and we'd like to have got someone in before now. If we'd known it would take this long, we might not have let Ross Lafayette go (on loan to Aldershot) so early, but we did it so we could move in for the other guy. If we'd held on, there was a risk Aldershot might not have wanted Ross."

Wrexham - in tenth, six points adrift of the fourth-placed Spitfires - have signed two new forwards – Louis Briscoe from Torquay and Mark Beck on loan from Yeovil.

Three Eastleigh young guns have gone out on loan - defender Jack Smith to Farnborough and both goalkeeper Lewis Noice and full-back Jack Masterton to Larkhall Athletic.