New signing Marcus Dinanga vowed to solve Altrincham’s most pressing problem after joining the Robins from League Two Stevenage and becoming manager Phil Parkinson’s second acquisition of the summer.

Following Jordan Hulme’s departure to AFC Fylde at the start of last season, Alty tried one candidate after another in a failed quest to find a worthy successor to the free-scoring frontrunner.

But Parkinson is convinced the search for a proven finisher is finally over after snapping up Dinanga, and the self-assured 23-year old was in no mood to argue.

“I can’t wait to get started, and I’m sure I will benefit from the wide players Alty have,” he said. “If they put the ball in the box, I’m going to be there to finish it off. If they lay on chances, there are going to be goals. I’m here to do that.

“When the gaffer told me about the team, he said we have got players who are going to put the ball where you want it, and that got me a bit excited. As a striker, you need the service from different types of wingers, and I love to hear that.

“I always back myself. Always. That may come across as cocky, but I don’t see myself as cocky. There is a difference. I back myself all the time, whether it’s the second minute of a game or the last.”

Parkinson added: “His biggest attribute is when the ball is in the box, getting on the end of things, taking chances and not needing two or three attempts to score a goal. From what I have seen of him, he has a goal ratio of a player who knows how to finish.

“That is something we were desperate for all last season.”