Sittingbourne are communicating with new signing Sefyettin Akdeniz via Google Translate.

Akdeniz, a Swiss-Turk, speaks little English but with the help of mobile phones, Brickies have been able to get their message across.

It’s clearly working as the wideman has been brilliant since his arrival.

Brickies caretaker boss Aslan Odev revealed how they have overcome the language barrier.

He said: “It can be a challenge but luckily I speak a little bit of Turkish and we use Google Translate.

“When he came into the dressing room for his first game he showed me his phone with a little message on Google Translate.

“It’s a good idea. It shows initiative and that language won’t be a barrier.

“I might not have thought of that but it’s working well.”

Akdeniz has made a big impact and scored his first goal - a last-minute winner against Molesey - at the weekend.

Odev said: “He’s dropped down a few leagues. He’s over over here in this country to make a name for himself and he’s studying at the same time.

“He’s getting his fitness - he’s still not 100% - but there are times when he looks a level above everyone else.

“We’ve got him until the end of the season so hopefully we can get the best out of him.

“He’s dedicated and focused and he’s a really good guy - all the players love him.”

Odev praised teenager David Smith for his part in Akdeniz’s first Brickies goal.

Smith gave up penalty duties so Akdeniz could step up and while the spot-kick was saved, the rebound fell kindly.

Odev said: “I have to give David credit for allowing him to take the penalty.

“He’d only just scored a penalty against Ramsgate but he gave it up without any fuss and that shows maturity for an 18-year-old.”

Sittingbourne face their former player Gil Carvalho when they go to Phoenix Sports in Bostik South this Saturday.

That’s followed by a rearranged home game against Thamesmead on Tuesday night.

Odev said: “I liked Gil. He was ambitious, driven and focused and he did well for us but he decided to move on.

“We know it’ll be a tough match but we’ll do our homework.”

As for Thamesmead, Odev added: “We drew 2-2 with them at Dartford’s ground when we were on a good run at the start of the season.

“They’re physically a big team but we’re more than capable of getting something.”