Chester FC fans will be in for a treat once James Alabi settles into the side, according to assistant manager Jon McCarthy.

Alabi, who is cup-tied for tomorrow's FA Trophy game with FC Halifax Town, made his debut in the loss to Braintree Town when he showed signs of rustiness.

That was to be expected given his lack of first-team football but McCarthy believes the 21-year-old, who will return to the squad for the weekend's trip to Torquay United, can have the kind of impact manager Steve Burr hoped for when signing him.

"He did something in training the other day that just made every player go 'wow'," said McCarthy.

"There was a turn of pace and some strength that was unbelievable. In that one moment when you could see why he's been at Ipswich and other clubs have had him so that's the bit that we have to get out of him.

Read: James Alabi backing Blues to reach FA Trophy quarter-finals in his absence

"It's there and there's a player there that has quality that is much higher the league he's in and we've got to find those moments.

"I don't think he's going to be chasing all around the pitch but if we can isolate him into areas and that's something we don't have a massive period of time to do, but if we can find the answer then there could be moments where Chester fans will get excited and like we did you'll go wow and see why the gaffer has brought him in.

"He's raw and there's bits to work on but I think at some point between now and the end of the season you'll see him and go there's some real potential there."

Read: James Alabi determined to make his mark with the Blues

The Blues signed Alabi on a deal until the end of the season at the end of January after he was released from Championship club Ipswich Town.

The London-born frontman has been on loan to National League rivals Grimsby Town this term, scoring two goals in five appearances for the Mariners.

James Alabi in action for Grimsby earlier this season
James Alabi in action for Grimsby earlier this season

Alabi started his career with Stoke City and was a target for the Blues in the summer after leaving the Britannia Stadium but opted for a move to Ipswich.

He has had loan spells at Scunthorpe United, twice, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers, Scunthorpe United and Accrington Stanley.