Veteran hitman Lee Gregory was the perfect summer signing says Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough

Gregory has had a great career at the higher levels with clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Stoke City since leaving Stags in 2011 and Clough beamed: “We said in the summer, despite him being 36, we could not have signed a better striker for us at Mansfield on a free transfer.

“He is a pleasure to work with in that we don't have to spend any time with him.

“He knows his job, he knows the game. I think he enjoys the way we try to play, creating chances for him.

“It is only a matter of time before Will Evans gets a few goals too to add to it.

“The work rate of the two of them and the intelligence they both show in their respective positions is very evident up there.”

Gregory's spot kick levelled Saturday's game against Shrewsbury and Clough said: “I thought Lee really got us going on Saturday, got us the penalty, put it away, and for the majority of the game he led the line brilliantly.

“If he stays fit, which we hope he will, I think he has been a regular goalscorer throughout his career.

“I don't see any reason that can't continue provided we keep making the chances for him and playing positively.

“He knows because of his experience that on a tough afternoon there will be a chance coming along and you have to make sure you're ready for it.

“It's also his all-round play, his hold-up play and everything, we have all been very impressed with him.”