ALEX Jeannin believes a clean bill of health is the key to Weymouth’s bid to reach the play-offs in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier.

The experienced defender, who made his first two appearances for the club in the recent victories over St Albans City and AFC Totton, has been very impressed with the quality in the Terras’ squad but admits there is not much cover should injuries and suspensions take hold.

The 33-year-old, who was born in Troyes in France, told Echosport: “It is a very good team and a young squad with a lot of quality which I think showed in the wins over St Albans and Totton.

“We played some very good football at times in those two games but it is a small squad and as long as we stay relatively free of injuries and suspensions there is no reason why we cannot push for the play-offs.”

The Terras currently sit eight points adrift of the top five in 10th spot but they do hold games in hand on seven of the sides above them.

Reflecting further on his first two outings for the club, Jeannin added: “To pick up two wins in the space of three days like that against two very good sides is fantastic for the team.

“The Christmas period in any season is never easy and the way we came through it was excellent.

“The lads were very professional and now hopefully we can build on that and push on up the table.”

Jeannin, who has played for the likes of Darlington, Exeter City, Hereford United, Oxford United and Mansfield Town, almost joined the Terras on two previous occasions during his career and he is looking forward to the months ahead.

He said: “I went down to Bideford at the start of the season and got off to a good start down there.

“However, there were then a few problems where things were not working for me and the club so we decided to part ways.

“I began to look around for something else at a higher level and that is when Weymouth came along.

“I had nearly signed for them on a couple of occasions earlier in my career so hopefully this is third time lucky.

“So far I have found the club really welcoming and hopefully we can all keep on enjoying our football here and go on to enjoy further success.”

Weymouth will next be in action on Saturday at fourth-bottom Arlesey Town, where they will look to stretch their unbeaten run in the league to five games.

The Terras have picked up 10 points from their last four.

* Weymouth FC are running a supporters’ coach to Arlesey. It will leave the Bob Lucas Stadium at 9am and the cost is £15 per person. To find out more or to book a seat email Brian Walbrin at pbwalbrin@sky.com