JOHN Sussex is full of praise for Ayo Odukoya after making a blistering start to his Basildon United career.

The summer signing followed up his opening day goal in the defeat at Bury Town with a first half hat-trick in the 6-0 thrashing of Romford.

And Bees boss Sussex hopes Odukoya will maintain his fine run of form.

Sussex said: “I have known Ayo for a long time because I had him when I was in charge of the Tilbury under-23s.

“I then took him to Witham when I was the assistant manager there last season and he has made a good start to the current campaign.

“He turned 21 a few days ago and, since joining us, I have converted him from a striker to a right winger because I think he is suited to that position.

“At the moment, it appears that change is paying dividends and things are looking promising.

“Ayo got a hat-trick and two assists against Romford, so his performance as a whole was fantastic.

“I thought he was unplayable in the first half.”

The thumping victory in Basildon’s first home encounter of the Isthmian North campaign allowed them to bounce back from their 3-1 loss at Bury on the opening day.

But, despite the convincing scoreline, Sussex is refusing to get carried away.

“We have to remember that it is only one result in a long season and we have to keep our feet on the ground,” added Sussex.

“It was a very pleasing performance and it’s great to get six goals in any game of football.

“We were quite clinical and had a strong threat going forward.

“It was so pleasing after the setback at Bury and it must be the first occasion in a long time where Basildon have won 6-0, but we can’t afford to get carried away.”

Sussex was also overjoyed to see Vyse bag a brace of goals just three days after seeing his Bees debut cut short due to an early dismissal.

“Vysey showed some really good character,” admitted Sussex, who took charge of Basildon in March.

“I think it was important for me to give him the captain’s armband and select him again.

“He appreciated that and repaid the faith shown in him.

“It was great for him to be involved as we got the three points.

“I think it was arguably the first game since I took over where we were expected to win, so there was a bit of pressure.”