Chester FC boss Steve Burr has completed the signing of forward Kane Richards from Ilkeston.

Richards has scored 12 goals in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division, including one in the Robins 4-2 win at Trafford on Saturday.

He was on non-contract terms at the New Manor Ground, meaning he was able to move to the Blues for free despite the transfer window being closed.

Capable of operating out wide or through the middle, the 20-year-old has plenty of pace and his arrival bolsters the manager's forward options after Matty Hughes and Rhys Oates returned to Fleetwood Town and Barnsley.

Subject to clearance, Richards will be involved for this weekend's trip to Barnet, who are top of the Vanarama Conference.

Watch: A selection of Kane Richards' goals for Ilkeston

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Richards was a product of the Derby County academy and signed a professional deal with the Rams but was released in January 2013 and moved to Ilkeston the following month.

Burr spotted him last season when managing Kidderminster Harriers and has followed his progress through the current campaign.

Burr said: "Kane is a striker who will be hungry to do well here at Chester, he's got an excellent pedigree and as long as paperwork is sorted, he'll be able to play a part at Barnet on Saturday."

Richards follows Che Adams and Kieran Wallace in leaving Ilkeston for a bigger club, the pair moving to Sheffield United in the past month.

Mark Duffy, the Robins reporter for the Ilkeston Advertiser, said Richards had shown real improvement this season since being moved from a wide position to a more central role.

Duffy said: "He started at Derby and spent a bit of time on loan at Matlock Town but came to Ilkeston after being released.

"He was quite a frustrating player and was used out wide a lot because he's quick but the complaint was that he was all pace and no product.

"He would fly up the wing and beat a man but not be able to put in a decent cross.

"However since Ilkeston went full time and he started to play more as an out and out striker he has been a different player entireley.

"The difference has been noticeable and that's been reflected in the fact he's scored 12 goals this season.

"Ilkeston have won eight games in a row and Kane has been a big part of that so him leaving is a blow.

"Steve Burr will know him from when he was at Kidderminster and he's come to watch Ilkeston a few times last year.

"He's got pace and skill, he's getting stronger and he's finishing far better so it will be interesting to see how he copes at a higher level."