MARK Collier has backed new striker Nick McCootie to deliver a significant shot in the arm for Chippenham Town’s National League South survival mission.

McCootie, 29, completed his move to Hardenhuish Park from neighbours Bath City late last week but was denied his debut when Town’s league trip to Poole Town on Saturday was postponed by a waterlogged pitch.

The frontman, who followed Frome Town’s Jake Jackson into the Wiltshire club, scored more than 30 times in over 100 games for City and has helped to boost the Chippenham frontline following the loss of David Pratt to Wealdstone last month.

It ended a lengthy pursuit of the player by Collier, who believes McCootie will offer and extra dimension to the Bluebirds as they aim to pull away from the lower reaches of the table.

“He’s one we’ve been after for a while and one I’ve been personally after for a few years,’’ said Collier.

“We’ve managed to get him on board now. He’s proven at this level. He’s a goalscorer and he’s got pace and power and a lot of size and physicality about him.

“We think we’ve got a good player on our hands and one that will really come in and make a difference to us.

“I don’t think there is anyone who is going to be like Pratty but he (McCootie) has got similar traits. He’s happy to run in behind, he works his socks off for the team and he gets his fair share of goals as well.

“I think the difference is that he can play in a couple of different positions, out wide or behind the front two, so it certainly does give us a few options.

“(Jake) Jackson had a good debut last week and we’ve got some competition for places and we know that Sands (Andy Sandell) can play in several positions as well. So I think it’s a good signing for us and will bring a different dimension to us.’’

After Saturday’s call-off, Town are now 18th in the table, six points ahead of second-from-bottom Bognor Regis Town and with the top two of Braintree this Saturday, followed by leaders Dartford to come in their next two fixtures at home, the task gets no easier for Collier’s men.

“It was disappointing it (the Poole match) was off, but we had a couple of niggles so it will give some time for those to settle down to get ready for next week,’’ added Collier.

“It’s the top two next and it’s a big test for us. Braintree will be difficult. They were in the National Premier last year and they will want to get back there. They are a top side in non-league football.’’