Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell on the arrival of former Colchester United youngster Kaan Bennett

Welling United boss Ryan Maxwell sees big potential in new signing Kaan Bennett.

Bennett, 21, has joined the Wings after scoring eight goals in 16 appearances for Isthmian Premier rivals Burgess Hill at the end of last season.

The former Colchester youngster started the campaign at Lewes, bagging a pair of winners as the Rooks completed a league double over Welling – both matches ending 1-0.

Bennett made his debut for Colchester in a League 2 match against Hartlepool at the end of the 2021/22 season.

A long-term knee injury restricted his progress and he’s been rebuilding his career in non-league football since leaving the Essex club.

“He’s a very exciting player,” said Maxwell, who feels he can help Bennett secure a return to the pro ranks.

“He’s someone who played well against us, although that’s not the reason we signed him, he just caught our eye on the day.

“Having done a lot of due diligence, and I’m fortunate enough to have played with and know his agent very well, we had a good few conversations.

“Kaan made his debut at Colchester, he had a knee injury and was out for over a year and he came into non-league last year and did really well.

“There’s no doubt there’s a good player there.

“He’s played a few positions, we’ve just got to refine what we think he’s best at, certainly at this stage of his career, and use him where he’s most effective.

“But he’s come in pre-season, he’s super-fit in our fitness tests, very hungry, he’s fitted like a glove, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can get out of him this year.

“He’s got the knack of scoring inside the box, so we want him high up the pitch.

“He has played a number of games out wide, so we know he can do that as well, he can play as a 9, 10 or even as an