Ruben Carvalho arrived from Portugal when he was eight and cites two tricky Brazilians as his footballing idols.

For now, the sea air of Worthing is helping him get back on track and pursue his goal of an EFL contract from the vantage point of a promotion race.

Carvalho starred wide on the left last time the Sussex Transport Community Stadium staged a six-pointer on a Tuesday night.

That was a fortnight ago when Carvalho, on loan from Maidenhead, set up one goal and scored the other in a momentous 2-1 win over Boreham Wood.

There were great scenes that night as Rebels went top in a very congested title race in Vanarama National League south.

Tonight’s six-pointer could feel even bigger as Torquay visit and Rebels target a return to top spot.

Carvalho, formerly a youngster at Charlton Athletic, will be among the men to watch.

He told The Argus: “Right now I am enjoying it. I enjoy the team and how we play. Getting the ball to my feet, passing the ball.

“That is what I specialise in, one-on-ones and making stuff happen.

“I wasn’t playing at Maidenhead and thought I needed some game time.

“The EFL is my ambition right now and I am working hard.

“At Worthing or whatever club I am at, I am always determined to be that one or two steps ahead of everyone.

“I am always doing that bit extra.”

Carvalho came to England from Lisbon when he was eight and, like his dad, is a Benfica fanatic.

But he names Neymar and Robinho as his footballing idols.

He said: “My dad brought me up on Benfica and credit to him for always helping me improve myself and giving me that courage to keep going.

“I had to make a big change and I had to learn English and hopefully it is worth it.”

Carvalho, who turns 24 next month, thought he was heading for the professional ranks during a season with Charlton which included a goal of the month winner.

He said: “I was there when I was 20, 21 for a season.

“It was the under-23s and there was a lot going on at the time I was there.

“I was offered my contract and, in the last week before signing it, I fractured my foot.

“I was out for three months.

“I stayed there and did rehab and came back better – it happens in football.”

Worthing boss Chris Agutter is convinced player and team are a great fit.

He said: “I came up against him last year when I was at Hastings and he was at Wingate and I had a few nightmares against him, to be honest.

“We just felt he wasn’t playing at Maidenhead and he is a Worthing type of player in terms of how we play.

“I think we are really good fit for him.

“Maidenhead play very differently to us and he needs the ball into feet, he needs decent service.

“He needs to have a team that is dominant in terms of possession and that, ultimately, has the football.

“He’s on loan until the end of the season, thank God!

“But, if he keeps playing like that, I think Maidenhead will want him back.”

Agutter is relishing the big night ahead and expects Torquay to be driven by memories of their recent 5-1 defeat at Woodside in the FA Trophy.

He said: “It’s exciting. We have just got to enjoy it.

“We know Torquay will bring massive support.

“They are a massive football club who really should be nowhere near this level with their history.

“We are going to need all of the Rebels out in force.”

Recent signing Liam Nash will make his home debut after scoring the winner at Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.

Eatbourne Borough, also in the title race, lost 2-0 at Torquay on Saturday and return home tonight to face Hampton and Richmond.

Borough boss Adam Murray said: “We move on fast. I am expecting these boys to come back super hungry.

“If you are going to be successful, you have to take punches on the chin.”

Tuesday (7.45pm unless stated)

League One: Crawley v Stevenage.

Vanarama National League, south: Eastbourne Borough v Hampton and Richmond, Worthing v Torquay.

Isthmian League, premier division: Dartford v Chichester, Hastings v Canvey, Whitehawk v Hendon.

Isthmian south east: Burgess Hill v Eastbourne Town (7.30pm), East Grinstead v Sevenoaks (7.30pm), Hythe v Broadbridge Heath.

Southern Combination, premier: Crawley Down Gatwick v Pagham (7.30pm).

Peter Bentley Cup: Eastbourne United v Crowborough, Peacehaven v Wick, Petersfield v Hassocks, Reigate Priory v Haywards Heath (7.30pm).