Met Police boss Jim Cooper has finally got his man after central defender Dan Sintim signed from Walton & Hersham.

The 21-year-old made his debut in last weekend’s 3-1 Ryman League Premier Division win at Wingate & Finchley.

His partnership with Steve Sutherland, although only one-game-old, has Cooper already purring with delight.

He said: “Dan used to train with us when he was a 17-year-old on Woking’s books and we liked him then.

“We needed someone who was quick, strong, mobile and had great aerial ability, and he fitted the bill perfectly. Dan and Steve have slotted together well and, although it is only one game, I am excited about their partnership.”

Cooper has also brought in former Sutton United midfielder Romone McCrae from Whitehawk, and he is scouting for a new striker for when Jonte Smith’s loan ends on December 10.

The Met were down to the bare bones for the 2-1 Surrey County Cup win at South Park on Tuesday, having only 13 players in the squad.

Cooper said: “We’ve got a bug going round the dressing room – that is not great because you never know who will be struck down. We lost two players on the eve of the South Park game.

“We’ll have Romone for this weekend’s game against Leiston, which is a relief.”

Leiston are yet to win a league game on the road, but Cooper is wary of the visitors after they turned the Met over at Imber Court in an FA Trophy replay in October.

He said: “They have a striker called Emmanuel Osei who is quick and deadly in front of goal.

“We know their strengths and we’ll have to nullify them – although being at home we need to have a little more intent going forward than we do when we’re away.”