BOSS Gary Bailey was full of praise for the efforts of midfield maestro Alex Halloran while speaking ahead of Portland United’s trip to Totton & Eling tomorrow (3pm).

While he did not get on the scoresheet in the Blues’ thumping win over East Cowes Victoria last Saturday, Halloran, who made his return from a lengthy knee injury, provided assists for six of his side's eight goals.

“Alex is playing really well at the moment and is finding the form he had before he picked up his injury," Bailey told Echosport.

"He was a big loss for us last year and it’s almost like having a new player.

“If you are a centre forward Alex is a dream to play with because he creates chances, gets on the ball and finds a great final pass to put people in.

“He deserved a goal last week really and did everything but score.

“He hasn’t got a free role though. He has a defensive job to do as well and that’s the good thing about Alex, he does both sides of it really well.”

Speaking about Totton & Eling, who are currently 16th in the table with just one league win out of six, the Grove Corner manager added: “They have had a mediocre start but anywhere away we are going into the unknown.

“We will treat any team we are playing with respect and go there expecting a tough challenge.”

Ross Carmichael and Ross Doidge are expected to return to the Portland squad for their clash at Little Testwood Farm.

The Blues are also looking for a home friendly on Tuesday, October 13 under their new floodlights. Anyone interested can contact club secretary Randle Gates on 07928341060.