Avenue new signing Achilles Traore has ambitions to play in the Football League.

After scoring on his debut at Burscough last Saturday, the Swedish national, who hails from Burkina Faso, said he wanted to embark on a professional career over here.

The 26-year-old, who recently had trials with Barnsley, said: "I twisted my ankle and returned to Sweden but I definitely want to make it here."

"I used to play in the Swedish First Division and I feel I could make an impact in the full-time game in England. I am happy to give it a go here at Avenue. It was nice to score the goal on my debut."

After scoring twice for Avenue reserves, manager Gary Brook had no hesitation in bringing Traore into the first-team squad. But a place on the bench did disappoint the player.

Manager Gary Brook said: "He's relatively experienced. I put him on the bench last week so he could have a look at the standard and the physical side of the UniBond Premier Division.

"It would have been unfair of me to have thrown him straight in.

"He was disappointed he didn't start but it can open up your eyes when you see football that is more physical than you are used to."

Brook's contacts in the game might yet be the weapon that triggers a successful Avenue fight for survival in the division.

Apart from on-loan Jeremy Beadle, who was the star of last Saturday's win, a second player from Scarborough - centre half Dan Jarvis - made his debut and was a solid addition. And new right back Paul Haworth, signed from Barrow, had a good game.

Brook explained: "I still have contacts at Scarborough. I played there for four years."

But while a place in the President's Cup semi-finals is a boost, the important business is in the league and today's trip to Whitby Town was again a crucial fixture.