One of Sittingbourne’s latest signings played at the Africa Cup of Nations just two years ago.

Kevin Wright, who like fellow new recruit Ambrose Gnahore, started his career at Chelsea, was part of the Sierra Leone squad for the tournament in Cameroon.

The left-back played in all three group games, including draws with holders Algeria and the Ivory Coast.

Now 28, he’s had quite a career since coming through the ranks at Chelsea, including spells in Norway, Sweden, Greece and America.

His time in Sweden included a stint with Degerfors, the club where Sven-Goran Eriksson began his illustrious managerial career in the 1970s.

Wright is back in England and arrives at Sittingbourne after making contact with Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell.

“He’s played international football, for Sierra Leone, so he’s a player who has pedigree,” said Maxwell, whose side fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Deal in Isthmian South East last night.

“When he trained you could tell that quality was there.

“He was excellent on the ball, had good technique, good touch, he was composed, all the things you’d expect from someone who’s been brought up in a football environment.

“We’re just looking to get him up to speed but he’ll be a good addition.

“I believe he’d trained with Ebbsfleet and Woking this season and maybe another club.

“He got in contact via a player who said to give me a call, and I’m glad he did.

“I hope it’s a reflection of what we do.

“I like to think I keep things with honest with players, I’m happy to help if I can.

“Kevin was one that reached out because he knows a player who said, ‘If you’re looking to get up and running and get yourself in the shop window in England, speak to Ryan Maxwell’.

“His attitude’s been brilliant, he’s really humble and very hardworking because he’s not fully fit and on Thursday they all had to do some extra running.

“It was tough, they all did it very intensely and Kevin was right at the front of it.”

Gnahore gives Sittingbourne, who visit Isthmian South East leaders Beckenham this Saturday (3pm), another option on the left, playing either full-back or on the wing.

Like Wright, he’s well-travelled, having played in Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Austria and France.

He’s also working on his fitness, as is former Southend, Ebbsfleet and Maidstone striker Norman Wabo, who’s joined from Maldon & Tiptree.

“Norman’s another one who will need a bit of time but I’ve managed against him when he was at Billericay and he’s an absolute handful when he’s fit,” said Maxwell.

“He’s strong, mobile, sharp, he uses his body well and is a real threat.

“I think the best of Norman will be in a few weeks’ time but he’s got the tools and if we can get him fit, we’ve got a player on our hands.”

There’s no timescale on a return for ex-Luton man Godfrey Poku, who has an Achilles problem, while Luke Woodward is set for another scan to get to the bottom of his injury.

But Michael Turner, Jean-Baptiste Fischer and Danny Parish are back in training, with Bagasan Graham three weeks away.

Sittingbourne are through to the FA Trophy first round for the first time in 20 years after upsetting Bognor Regis on Saturday.

They beat the Isthmian Premier side 2-1 at Woodstock, with Henry Sinai scoring the winner after Liam Smith’s first-half header was cancelled out by a Spencer Spurway wonder strike from 25 yards.

The Brickies have drawn Dover away in the first round on October 26, a side they’ve already beaten in the FA Cup this season.

“We were very good on Saturday,” said Maxwell.

“Coming in at 1-0, despite all our pressure, was a concern.

“They scored a fantastic goal, probably the best strike I’ve conceded as a manager, but we responded straight away.

“I think the belief was still there because we knew it was such a bolt out of the blue.

“We just had to keep doing what we were doing and more chances would come.

“Although we’ve scored from two set-pieces we could have scored in open play, so it was a very pleasing performance.

“Bognor are a good side, they play football, they’re a dangerous team and they’ll win games.”

Sittingbourne moved up to third in the table, with five wins out of six, after their midweek comeback win at Deal.

Trailing to early goals from Tom Chapman and Matty Holness, Ryan Kingsford and late strikes from Jack Steventon and Joe Boachie turned the game around.