DANNY Scopes has tipped Temi Babalola to have a promising career at Concord Rangers.

The attacker joined on dual-registration terms from Isthmian North outfit Brentwood Town and bagged his first goal for the club in the 3-3 stalemate with Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.

Scopes believes the teenager will become a firm fans’ favourite at the Aspect Arena but is aware it will take time for Babalola to be at his best in Beach Boys colours.

“We have got to be patient with Temi because he is an 18-year-old,” said Scopes, who took over as Concord’s chief 10 months ago.

“I think the step up from the level he has been playing at to the National League South is massive.

“The fitness and what it takes to play 90 minutes at this level is hard.

“You can see, since joining us, he is fatiguing towards the end of games.

“Temi had to stay on the pitch against Tonbridge for 90 minutes when, perhaps, he should have come off because five players who are a big part of the squad were unavailable.

“But, at the same time, playing the full 90 minutes is a plus point.

“He is a threat and has all the assets you need.

“We just need to work on his fitness levels, but we have already seen improvements since he came in.

“He can be a bit smarter with his runs as well, but he is definitely a handful and deserved his first goal for the club.

“Temi is moving in the right direction.”

Babalola has also featured for Romford and Woodford Town, who ply their trade in the Essex Senior League, during the early stages of his career.

The vast majority of Concord’s current squad joined from clubs at least one tier below the National League South when Scopes was forced into making wholesale changes last summer.

Scopes admits he has no choice but to take risks on potential stars and hope the move pays off.

“It’s what we are about,” added Scopes.

“We have to take gambles on people and drag them up from the lower levels.

“Temi is one of those players we have taken a chance on, but he wants to learn and listen.

“Hopefully we can work on him and continue to see more improvements.”

Concord were due to visit Hungerford Town, the National League South’s bottom side, tonight.

But the encounter will not go ahead due to the National League announcing yesterday the campaign has been suspended until April 3 at the earliest.

“I predicted the season would be suspended after the weekend,” admitted Scopes.

“With the opinions coming their way, they had no choice.”