Eynesbury boss Mark Ducket admits he would love to land St Neots Town star Declan Rogers.

The attacking ace played for Rovers in a pre-season friendly triumph against higher-level Hitchin Town at Hall Road on Monday night.

Rogers, who has not been offered a deal as yet by Saints despite firing 14 goals as they achieved Southern League Premier Division survival last season, hit a spectacular 25-yard strike in a 3-2 victory for Eynesbury.

And while Ducket admitted the move came completely out of the blue, he is now determined to persuade Rogers to join the Rovers promotion quest in the United Counties League Premier Division on a permanent basis.

“I have to admit that Declan was not on my radar,” said Ducket. “He only made contact with me earlier in the day and asked if there was a chance of having a game for us, and I only met him for the first time ahead of the game.

“But I was more than happy to give him some minutes and he produced a terrific performance. He worked his socks off, looked dangerous on the ball and scored an excellent goal.

“The fact that someone of Declan’s calibre has approached us shows the progress we’re making as a football club.

“He’s my type of player. I always love a left-footed lad - especially one with quality in the final third - and it would be a huge coup if are able to persuade him to become an Eynesbury player.

“I’m not sure of his situation at St Neots, but good players always command interest and there will be plenty of clubs keen on Declan.

“We’ve managed to add quality players to our squad this summer and signing Declan would be another example of that.”

The victory against Hitchin - which also featured goals from new recruits Josh Bamford and Dom Lawless - came hot on the heels of a 4-2 triumph at lower-level neighbours Eaton Socon on Friday night. A side made up of reserve and youth players then fulfilled a Saturday friendly at Stamford side Blackstones, which they lost 3-0.

Eynesbury have two more pre-season friendlies, both against higher-level sides, before launching the new campaign with an FA Cup extra preliminary round clash at home to Thetford Town on August 5, with a first league clash at Cogenhoe following on August 8.

They entertain Step 4 newcomers Mildenhall Town this Saturday and then go to St Ives Town on Tuesday.

Ducket revealed midfielder Hayden Bream is likely to play a limited part in the first half of the season.

He requires a hernia operation at the end of October and is then off to Australia later in the year to watch the Ashes.

Summer signing Stuart Eason has left Rovers without kicking a ball for the club. He has returned to Peterborough Sports, who won the Premier Division title last season.