Lee Bullock has been instantly impressed by City’s new non-league signing Scott Neilson.

Little is known about the capture from Cambridge City but midfielder Bullock has seen him first hand during his trial spell at Valley Parade.

And what was his verdict?

“Very good,” Bullock revealed. “He really is. He’s a winger who looks like he’s got some decent skills. He’s skipped around a fair few lads in training this week and scored a lot of goals.

“I didn’t see his reserve match against Middlesbrough but he scored two good goals then too and that helped persuade the club to sign him.”

City have paid an undisclosed fee for the pacy 22-year-old, who has been plying his trade way down the pyramid in the Zamaretto League (the Southern League).

He is the third non-league player they have signed this summer but, with James Hanson and Steve Williams proving a success so far, Bullock can see the attraction.

“You only have to look at what Peterborough have done after they signed a lot of players from non-league,” he said.

“You can see how hungry these players are and how much they want to succeed. It’s not a bad idea at all to go down this avenue, and especially here when you look at the James Hanson scenario.

“He’s come out of the Bradford area so it’s great for all the local lads who maybe haven’t quite made it before.

“They now know that, if they still work hard in the non-leagues, they will get spotted and get that chance.

“Especially the way the money is going; clubs at the lower level now are always going to give a chance to these types of players.”

Neilson will offer plenty of competition to wideman Joe Colbeck and look to make his mark as soon as possible, especially with Jamaican Omar Daley not ready to return from his long-term knee injury until later this year.

“There’s competition in nearly every position now,” said Bullock. “We’ve got two players in most positions.”

Neilson has penned a three-year deal with a further year option.

It is understood Cambridge have negotiated a sell-on clause for their star player, who had attracted interest from a host of professional clubs.