The Portugese-American player, who stands at 6ft 2in, was with Benfica as a junior and has been described as a 'rough diamond'.

Blues boss Richardson wants a tall, bustling centre forward but remained tight-lipped about Tiexeira after watching him net the three goals.

''I was impressed with the lad and it was our best performance of the season. We could have had seven goals,'' was all the Spireites chief was prepared to say.

The other goal came from Gavin Rothery who has been with Leeds.

Tiexeira (31) has been with Baltimore side Crystal Palace, the American team of the Selhurst Park club.

He was invited over by Neil Warnock's side for a trial but it was judged that he was not suited to Championship football.

Tiexeira made his mark with his treble against Wolves and Richardson would like to discover if the striker is capable of coping with the physical demands of League Two football.

The Blues board spent big on wages when they acquired defender Rob Page and Darren Currie over the summer but when the season began Chesterfield kicked off with just two recognised strikers – Jack Lester and Jamie Ward – on its books.

And Lester, who scored 27 goals last season, has been hampered by a thigh problem that looks likely to keep him sidelined until the Brentford game in two weeks' time.

Hot shot Lester first felt the niggle in the warm-up against Bury a month ago.

He started the match – which ended in a 3-1 defeat – but the problem forced him to come off early in the first half.

Lester went for a scan, which revealed that there was no muscle tear, and was rested until he played the full 90 minutes against Grimsby in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last Wednesday.

Lester netted Chesterfield's opening goal but the match ended 2-2 and Grimsby went through to the next round following a penalty shoot-out.

Everything was fine during a gentle warm-down the following day but during a more strenuous training session last Friday, Lester felt the problem flare up again.

It led to him being left out of the team for the visit of derby rivals Rotherham and although the Spireites clinched their first home win of the season – courtesy of a last-gasp decider from Alan Goodall – Lester's absence is a major cause of concern for Richardson.

Lester has since had a second scan which has determined the thigh problem is still a strain.

Meanwhile, Richardson was delighted with the victory over Rotherham and again praised supporters for their contribution.

''At the last two home games the atmosphere has been superb and their tremendous support was rewarded with a goal right at the end of the game.

''We'd been telling Alan Goodall to push on and when he did he took his opportunity,'' said Richardson.

l Spireites fans can save money by buying tickets in advance for the visit to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. True Blue Travel coaches depart Cross Street at 9.30am and the fare is £14 a seat.


READ MORE
Main news index
Letters
Local sport
Music and gig scene