There had been YouTube videos of Elliott Durrell's goal-scoring exploits long before he joined Chester FC this summer.
Even before he signed for Wrexham in early 2014, Durrell had already made headlines while playing for Hednesford Town after a video of him emerged beating almost an entire team on his own with a mazy run from the halfway line.
Fast forward two years and his halfway line, David Beckham-esque strike against Boreham Wood last month once again demonstrated his eye for the spectacular.
All three of his goals for Chester have been eye-catching this season, with a stunning volley against Dagenham & Redbridge and a superbly executed turn and strike at home to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday sandwiching his Boreham Wood effort.
His wonder goal no doubt aided his cause as he was named Vanarama National League Player of the Month prior to Saturday's defeat, but he has already proved a hit with Blues fans and is a player with a rare talent, bursting with the confidence to attempt the audacious.
"It is great recognition for him and the football club," said Chester boss McCarthy.
"A lot of is that YouTube goal. If I'm the Vanarama marketing man and that gets loads of hits then I'd be giving him the award. I've been winding him up about that.
"But being honest, from my point of view he has been a really bright light. There are three outstanding goals that he's scored and he's working really hard and recognised what parts of his game he has to get right.
"He is a complex character and we'll have some ups and downs with him but me and the group really like him, as do the fans, and we're delighted with him."
Durrell arrived at the Blues in the summer following a successful season at Tamworth in the National League North.
His 18-month spell with Wrexham in non-league football's top tier didn't pan out as planned as he found his options limited with the Dragons.
But having come into this campaign wanting to show he can perform at this level, winning Player of the Month isn't a bad way to go about it.
