BLUES boss Chris Powell believes Norman Wabo’s loan spell at Ebbsfleet United will be hugely beneficial for the young striker.

Wabo – who has bagged 19 goals for the Shrimpers’ under 23 team this season – will spend the rest of the season with the National League side.

And Powell is certain the short spell will do wonders for Wabo.

“Norman has shown he can score goals for the under 18s and under 23s but now we’re giving him a test at men’s football,” said Powell.

“We feel he will benefit from it and he’s going to a team who are trying to get in the play-offs so the pressure will be on them which will be good for him.

“He’s a player I’ve got hopes for so let’s see how he does.”

But Powell was also keen to stress Wabo still had a future with the Shrimpers.

“He’s under no pressure and he’s contracted to us for next year,” said Powell.

“I know he wanted that security and I told him he had it.

“We see him scoring goals for us in the future but we want him to go and see what it’s like under pressure trying to get results at Conference level."

Wabo, who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, has made three substitute appearances for the Shrimpers in League One this season.