BRIAN HUGHES has again plundered the wealth of footballing talent at Hartpury College to bring centre half Russell Courtney to Cirencester Town.

Courtney is expected to go straight into the squad for the League Cup match on Saturday at Malvern Town.

Courtney will join fellow Hartpury players Steve Davies and Paul Casey on the books at the Corinium Stadium.

Like Casey, Courtney was one of seven senior students from Busa Championship-winning Hartpury who made it into the English Universities squad last season.

Recently, Courtney has been earning rave reviews when turning out for Shortwood United in the Hellenic Premier League.

“I’ve got contacts at Hartpury and they tell me Russell is the best of the bunch,” said Town manager Hughes.

“I sent Kevin Willetts to watch him play for Shortwood in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round recently when they lost 1-0 at home to Havant & Waterlooville and he said that Russell virtually played them on his own.

“He is an old-fashioned centre half who heads it and kicks it and he is young and enthusiastic.

“I believe he was with Crewe originally. Though he has been injured recently, I am hoping he will be available for Saturday.”