McClaren: 'Henri Is A Winner'

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Steve McClaren believes new signing Henri Saivet has all the attributes to be a huge success at Newcastle United.

The Senegalese international midfielder arrived from Bordeaux on Monday, putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year deal at St. James' Park.

With the Magpies currently sat in the Barclays Premier League's relegation zone, United need players who can make an immediate impact on their fortunes, and McClaren is confident that in Saivet they have exactly that.

"I'm delighted," the boss told nufc.co.uk.

"Henri is someone the Club has been following for quite a while, and it gives us an opportunity to add to our midfield, where we currently have injuries.

"He is someone who has developed into an excellent player at Bordeaux.

"He's got a very good mentality and is a very good kid. He is a winner and a tough player, which is what you need to be in the Premier League.

"Henri has a focussed look about him and we will certainly need that in the coming months. He has got to be ready to impact the team straight away and I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing him play for this team."

Saivet started his career as a forward before reinventing himself as a central midfielder in the last couple of seasons.

And while McClaren sees the 25-year-old as continuing in that central role on Tyneside, he knows that versatility is an added bonus.

"Henri has progressed from being a wide player and a number ten to dropping down into a defensive midfield role, which he has done very well," continued McClaren.

"He is a player who can make an impact now and will have a very good future at this Club.

"Henri can play in a range of positions across the field and that versatility and flexibility is important to any squad."