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McClaren: 'Seydou's A Natural'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren believe United have landed "a natural goalscorer" in their loan signing of Seydou Doumbia
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Steve McClaren believes Newcastle United have landed "a natural goalscorer" in their loan signing of Seydou Doumbia.
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international has joined the Magpies on loan from AS Roma until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
And McClaren was delighted to get an experienced front man, with an outstanding record at the highest level, on board to supplement his young forwards Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez.
"With Papiss Cisse currently out injured and Emmanuel Riviere only just coming back, the burden has fallen on Mitro and Ayo to lead the line for us," McClaren told nufc.co.uk.
"They have done a great job but we have brought in another forward to give them some help.
"It is no secret that we have been looking to add to our options in the striking area. We have been searching for a forward and were delighted when the opportunity arose to take Seydou on loan.
"He is a natural goalscorer, someone who has done it in the Champions League and has played at the highest level.
"I watched the Champions Leagues games he played against Manchester City and Manchester United, and he looks a very good player.
"He's someone who plays on the shoulder of defenders, runs in behind and gets on the end of things. We have been looking for that type, and so are delighted to have Seydou on board."
McClaren also had praise for rookies Mitrovic and Perez, who are just 21 and 22-years-old respectively.
"A lot of the burden has been placed on them," continued the head coach.
"Mitro has had ankle problems but has never missed a day's training and has played through it. He's been fantastic for us, as has Ayoze.
"It's easy to forget how young they are and how they are still learning the game and developing.
"We needed someone with a bit more experience in there as we've fallen short in that department. hopefully Seydou can come in and make his mark at this Club over the next few months and help us get some wins."