London Lions boss Tony Gold believes the signing of Paul Hakim will strike fear into their South Midlands League rivals.

The Lions sit top of the Division One table with 16 wins from 18 matches and Gold is confident the quality of the Team GB marksman will boost their chances of silverware.

Gold said: "Haks has just recovered from surgery on a long, persistent ankle injury. We have signed him and hope he can play a part going into the New Year. I say hope, because he has quite big work commitments and has just started a family so we will see."

Hakim was Team GB's top-scorer at the 2009 Maccabiah Games and Gold hopes his team will benefit from the services of the former St Albans City and Wingate & Finchley forward.

He said: "In terms of Jewish football, if you have a fully fit and hungry Paul Hakim, there is no Jewish footballer in this country better in his position. He is without doubt one of the best Jewish footballers in the last 10 years."

With games in hand on their rivals, Gold says he has been delighted with the level of performances over the first 18 games. He said: "We had the best pre-season I can remember since being at the club and we have just gone from strength to strength.

"The biggest surprise actually is how well we are defending as a team. It obviously helps to have a reasonably settled back-four, it really does make a difference. Twelve clean sheets is a club record and something to be very proud of.

"We know we face some big tests ahead so as always it is important to remain focused and continue to work on the aspects of our game we are doing well in."