Dagenham & Redbridge assistant manager Darren Currie was delighted to see Andre Boucaud back in action at Victoria Road after a busy summer for the Trinidad & Tobago international.
The 30-year-old helped the Soca Warriors reach the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup, but was unable to see them through as they lost on penalties to Panama.
Boucaud converted his spot kick, but Trinidad lost 6-5 and it ensured he was able to fly back to England ahead of Daggers pre-season clash with Charlton Athletic.
Wayne Burnett’s team were beaten 2-0 by the Championship side with Matt Partridge scoring an own goal and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis scoring an impressive free kick.
Although the international star only entered the pitch in the 73rd minute, he made a lasting impress and was involved in his teams best passage of play.
Currie said it was great to see Boucaud back and gave a strong hint that it could be him who takes the captains armband when Daggers play Portsmouth for the League Two opener on August 8.
He said: “We are all fans of ‘Boucs’ and he has been missed in the changing room. He is a big character.
“You can see from his 20-minute performance against Charlton that he makes people play around him and he is quite infectious when he is on the pitch.
“He wants to be on the ball and wants other people to be on the ball. He is very vocal and very demanding.
“It is nice to have him back. He got quite close in the Gold Cup, but from a selfish point of view I am glad he is back with us.”
Yesterday’s match gave Daggers fans the first opportunity to see new signings Matt McClure and Josh Passley at Victoria Road for the first time.
McClure struggled to get into the game and Passley wasn’t able to contribute too much in an attacking sense, but Currie believes the duo need time.
He is excited about the prospect of the pair, though, and believes they will both prove to be good additions to the squad.
“Both Matt and Josh are very good players and we are pleased to have them on board,” said Currie.
“Josh is a fantastic athlete and has got a big engine on him and wants to get forward. He wants to join in on attacks, he is a big, strong, powerful boy and he will be a real asset for us.
“Matty is one out of the Jamie Cureton, Rhys Murphy-type mould who is clever and has got good movement. He is physically strong, although he is not the biggest.
“I believe if we can keep him fit and keep him happy and he learns the things we ask then he will get goals for us so happy with the signings.”