Carshalton Athletic boss Hayden Bird has described Rob Ursell as a "phenomenal talent" after watching him destroy Ryman Premier Division high-flyers Hendon.

An Ursell-inspired Robins stunned second-placed Hendon 5-0, although it was Jack Macleod (two), Tony Quinton, Michael Johnson, and Phil Ruggles who got the goals.

Just two weeks into the midfielder's second stint at the club, Bird has already noticed the influence Ursell has had on his side.

"I think the guy is very special - not just on the pitch but off it as well," he said.

"He has only been here a fortnight but he has been outstanding, and I think one of the main reasons behind that is because we want to play football, just like he does.

"We give him the freedom to do as he pleases on the pitch and we want to build the team around him."

Bird is aware of the need to wrap the midfielder, due to have knee surgery in the summer, in cotton wool if he is going to get his money's worth from the talented attacker.

"His knee is of no concern to me - we just need to look after him," Bird said.

"As long as we do that and give him the rest period he needs in between games then we won't have a problem.

"He will continue to work hard with the physio and we just have to be aware that he has had a serious injury."

Carshalton are at home to another promotion-chasing side, Staines Town, on Saturday.