BOSS Steve Claridge says his long-awaited search for a left-sided winger is over after signing the son of football legend Paul Walsh.

Mason, whose dad played for Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City, has joined Whites on a non-contract basis.

He made his debut on Saturday in his side’s 5-2 thumping of Taunton Town, and delivered a real impression.

Walsh has replaced winger Mahlondo Martin, who left the Ray Mac by mutual consent.

“Mason has come in and was fantastic at times,” Claridge said of the attacker who is dual signed with National South outfit Welling United.

“He gives us an end product that we haven’t had for an awful long time out there.

“We know Paul Walsh, his dad, and at last it has worked for us logistically.

“He was at Welling which is just too far for him to go.

“He’s a work-in-progress. He’s not properly fit yet and he’s still getting his sharpness back but we are that short of players and that desperate for a wide left player who can actually create something. I don’t just mean create something, I mean deliver something with regard to an end product, and he did that.

“It’s been a real find for us.

“We’ve been looking at a left-sided player all season.”

The past year has been a difficult one for Walsh.

He spent four-and-a-half years with AFC Bournemouth, which included a spell with Stephen Purches in the under-23s, before being released at the end of last year.

During that time, he went on-loan to New Orleans Jesters after breaking his foot and then he broke it again.

Since his operation, he’s been working hard on his fitness.

Talking of the move to JournalSport, Walsh, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Tuesday, said: “I’m coming back from a long injury and it’s about getting those minutes now.

I just want to keep pushing on.

“I knew they [Salisbury] were looking for players and it suited me perfectly, with a great fan base and pitch, it’s a great club to be at.

“It’s been a frustrating year but it’s one of those things and I just need to keep battling away and hopefully come out the other side.

“Everyone’s aim is to get to the top level in football but who knows.

“I just need to keep working hard and see where it takes me.”

Salisbury have another double header. They travel to second-placed Evesham, who they beat at the start of the season, on Saturday before hosting Winchester City in a cathedral derby on Tuesday (7.45pm).