Defender Mustapha Olagunju praised as Ebbsfleet United manager Josh Wright reacts to 2-0 home defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League

Ebbsfleet boss Josh Wright hailed the performance of the returning Mustapha Olagunju in their New Year’s Day defeat to Dagenham.

Olagunju marked his 23rd birthday by starting his first Fleet game since September, having completed a loan deal at Hemel Hempstead.

Wright disclosed that he was adamant Olagunju would be part of his plans once he took the job on, the Fleet boss clearly identifying the lack of pace in defence as an issue.

“Mussy was very good,” said Wright. “He just gives us that energy, the legs and athleticism at the back that maybe we’ve lacked of recent times.

“He was very assured, he played with an older head in terms of how he handled the ball when he got it, he was sensible with it and played when he could. If it had to go, it went. When a ball goes in behind, he’s got that pace to get back and make us a better (defensive) line. I was very pleased with him.

“I knew when his loan was up, and I wanted him back straight away from the minute I got the job. I’m a big fan and long may that continue.

“I looked at players we’ve got out on loan and other situations. He was someone that I wanted around and I had to wait a little bit of time but I thought he came in and did very well.

“I will keep working with Mussy, he’s a great lad and has a lot of learning to do but he’s a very good player.”

Wright also felt Tyler Cordner benefited from having Olagunju alongside him in defence.

“Tyler was superb,” added the Fleet boss. “We said that when we dissected the game. I thought he was very good in his all-round game, stepping in with the ball and getting tight to people and winning headers, being a man out there.”

Jack Wakely was due to feature on his return from injury but illness ruled him out, along with Tom