22 year-old winger Hicham Abdellah, British born of Moroccan descent, competed as a 17 year-old on the 2010 Sky TV show “Football’s Next Star” in which the first prize was a six month contract at Inter Milan. Out of over 7,000 applicants, Abdellah was selected for the final ten which earned him five weeks in Italy at Inter Milan’s state of the art training complex Interello trying to win the contract before he was eventually eliminated at the semi-final stage.

He was subsequently offered and accepted a two year scholarship with Southend United. Since being released by the Shrimpers he has been playing professionally in Cyprus, first for Aspis Pyla and then for Second Division side Digenis Oroklini.

Primarily a right winger, he can also play up front.

The paperwork was completed this morning and with international clearance having been received, he is expected to be in the squad for the game against Dunstable Town tomorrow.