JOHN Coventry has backed Lukas Lidakevicius to be an immediate success after the Lithuanian under-21 international linked up with East Thurrock United.

The 22-year-old is seen as something of a coup for the Rocks, having represented his country at youth level for the under-15s, 17s, 19s and 21s.

And the former Barnsley stopper is now expected to start the season between the posts for East Thurrock, after the departure of David Hughes to Enfield Town over the summer.

And Coventry says he is excited to see him in action.

“Lukas is a lovely lad and a very good goalkeeper,” said Coventry. “He has been playing in pre-season for us and played again against Cheshunt on Tuesday (East Thurrock won 3-1).

“His distribution is very good, as you would expect having played professional football, but he will have a big part to play this season and at the moment he will be my number one.

“He is from Lithuania but sounds like he is from Yorkshire having lived in Barnsley for the last few years!”

Lidakevicius has captained his country at under-21 level and played against England in October 2013, in a 5-0 drubbing in a European Championship qualifier.

He was third-choice goalkeeper at FC Zalgiris squad which won the Lithuanian A Lyga last year, winning qualification for the Champions League.

Coventry confirmed former West Ham United stopper David Blackmore was still on trial at the club.