Chatham will have summer signing Rodrigue Diane available for their opening league game of the season after international clearance arrived from Cameroon.

Town host Waltham Abbey in Ryman League, Division 1 North on Saturday. And while boss Kevin Watson is keeping his team quiet, it is a bonus to have Diane available.

Watson (pictured) said: "Darren Phillips, our reserve-team manager, brought him along to pre-season and he’s done well. He can play anywhere across the back or in midfield, so he’s a good signing for us.

"We needed international clearance from Cameroon and that’s come through which means he’ll be available on Saturday, if selected."

Chatham will be missing club captain Brad Potter, who is still recovering from the head injury sustained in the opening pre-season friendly against Cray Valley.

He is training and the wound has healed but heading the ball remains a problem.

Watson said: "It’s good that he’s been able to keep his fitness levels up but I don’t think we can risk him while there’s still soft tissue because it makes heading the ball painful.

"He’ll still be around the place as club captain and hopefully he’ll be fit next week."