Crawley Town boss excited by Gianmarco Di Biase but demands more from former Juventus striker

The 20-year-old joined the club in the summer from Juventus in a transfer which raised a few eyebrows.

He kicked off his Reds career with a goal on his debut against Scott Lindsey’s York City in the Carabao Cup but he had to wait until last Saturday against Chesterfield for his next goals.

He came on as substitute against Paul Cook’s side when Reds were 2-0 down and he was initially credited as scoring the two goals that secured what could be a vital point. His second goal was subsequently awarded to Dylan Morgan as Di Biase didn’t get a touch on his cross.

He has only started one league game so far but the Italian will be hoping, along with his boss, his goals against The Spireites will kickstart his season.

Kazim-Richards said: “Gian is someone who's still adapting to being here, being in the country, let alone football, adapting to certain expectations day to day. Because I think in certain places in the world, day to day is not maybe as intense as it is here. So sometimes, it takes a little bit of adaptation.

“He's still adapting. But as you see, when he gets an opportunity, he's in the right place at the right time. For me, I'd still like to see a little bit more in terms of the other side of football.”

And the Reds boss doesn’t want just goals from the youngster. “He scores goals, but we need to see also, for me, a little bit more in terms of when the ball's coming up, competing and stuff like that. But he's still young. I think the standard's been set now because when he came on, he did do a lot. He worked, he put pressure on the ball. So things are turning little by little.

“And then he's able to grab two goals or one, whatever it is and he's able to celebrate and help us get back in the game and come away with a point. So that was vital.

“I’m very excited in terms of what he can bring us but he needs to continue it with a little bit more consistency.”