The 23-year-old became Scunthorpe’s third summer signing, joining from Stockport County last Friday, and, according to Russ, the ex-Hatters captain has all the right credentials to become a star at Glanford Park.
"Scunny are a team on the up - so I can see Jim fitting in really well," explained Russ.
"He's a good acquisition for the club and should give you that extra bit of guile at times on the back foot.
"It will be a nice change for a player who has had nothing but relegation fights in his County career."
When Stockport announced their released list it was strange to see the name of their skipper on it, but boss Chris Turner had to let the player go.
"Turner had a budget in place and Jim was one of the bigger earners who had to leave," he explained.
"I actually thought Jim would stay at Edgeley Park and make an excellent captain at that level, but it wasn't to be."
One thing counting against Goodwin is his disciplinary record, but that is to be expected from a tough-tackling midfielder.
Russ added: "His disciplinary record has to go against him, and is something that needs to be brought under control.
"Jim hasn't really got a keen eye for goal - at least, not last season.
"It would be unfair of me to pick weaknesses out of his general defending abilities - because the season we had as a whole was a complete write off - but Jim can perform at a higher level."
Rumours suggest that the Iron beat off the advances of Grimsby, Hearts and Bradford for the player’s signature, and to be in such demand the player must have some strengths.
"Jim is a leader, there's no doubt about that - he captained County for most of the season as [Danny] Griffin was out injured," said Russ.
"He never shirks a tackle, and you'll always get 110 per cent out of him - which can go against you as his disciplinary record shows, but he uses his strength well."
Find out more about new signing Jim Goodwin at Hatters-Mad.