EASTLEIGH will have a surprise new face in their squad for tonight's National League showdown with Forest Green Rovers (7.45pm) at the Silverlake.

The Spitfires have this afternoon completed the signing of 6ft 4in striker Darius Henderson on a free transfer from Mansfield Town.

The 35-year-old Sutton-born targetman will add oodles of experience to Martin Allen's squad, having made almost 450 Football League appearances, scoring 129 goals.

He began his career as a junior with Leeds United before moving on to Reading where he played 71 times, scoring 15 times.

Spells at Brighton & Hove Albion, Gillingham, Swindon Town, Watford, Sheffield United, Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City followed.

Henderson joined League Two outfit Mansfield in August this year, signing on a free transfer following his May release from Coventry.

The big striker tweeted on December 31: "I would just like to thank everyone at Mansfield FC for the last 5 months and wish them all the very best for the future."