West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola does not feel he is taking a gamble on prospective signing Benni McCarthy.
Zola believes South African can complement Cole
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola does not feel he is taking a gamble on prospective signing Benni McCarthy.
The South African striker is expected to tie up his switch from Blackburn on Monday and the 32-year-old will arrive at Upton Park with the task of scoring the goals to keep the Hammers in the Premier League.
But McCarthy has hardly been in prolific form this season - scoring just once in the league for Rovers - and question marks have been raised over the player's fitness amidst weight problems he has had this year.
But Zola insists the former Porto front-man offers a youthful West Ham side bags of experience and the Italian has backed him to deliver the goods in East London.
Experience
"We are already a very young team, so I think it is not wrong that we bring in somebody with the experience, football knowledge and also goals," he said.
"Benni has got quality in the final third, which is what I am looking for.
"He has got goals in his bag and that is what I need right now and that is what I am going to be asking him to produce for us."
Zola admits he is relishing the thought of fledging McCarthy out onto the battlefield with fellow striker Carlton Cole, who made his second substitute appearance since recovering from a knee injury in the goalless draw against Blackburn on Saturday.
And the Hammers boss believes the strike partnership has the potential to be like Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole's at Manchester United in the 1990s.
Yorke & Cole
"I think it will be a good partnership because Cole is strong and skilful as well, so I think they will find a good combination," added Zola.
"I think there are similarities [with Yorke and Andy Cole].
"Obviously you are comparing them to a very good and established couple, but I think if they work together and help each other they can really be a big asset for us.
"It will be a big help for Carlton as well because it is going to give him the opportunity to be more relaxed.
"Also the opposition will not only have to look after one player, they have to look after two players and that is a big thing."
Zola added: "I have seen partnerships like that develop.
"It is a kind of understanding that you can see straight away whether it clicks or not. So, if it really works, it's not going to be long."
Zola, who missed out former Chelsea teammate Eidur Gudjohnsen earlier this week, maintains West Ham had not lodged a bid for Celtic's Scott McDonald but admits he could have a busy 24 hours before the transfer window closes.
"In these two days we will see what we can do. We will have to speak to the owners and see," he said.
