Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has explained the thinking behind signing veteran striker Glenn Murray on a short term deal.
At 37, the addition of Murray has not gone down well with some Forest fans.
But Hughton worked with him at Brighton and Hove Albion, and has backed the experienced forward to make a difference.
“He’s somebody I know very well and know his characteristics. He is somebody who is very used to scoring goals, and who knows this league very well,” he said after securing Murray's services until the end of the season.
“It’s also about his contribution to the squad and to the changing room. He’s a vastly experienced player - at any stage and at any club, you can always lean on that type of player.
“For him, it’s a fair upheaval from where he’s been and there would have been other potential options.
“He’s not coming here for a comfortable life, that’s for sure. He wanted to come here. He’s come here because he wants to carry on playing, he wants to score goals and he wants to contribute.
“Maybe with someone even a bit younger, you might question their fitness a bit and whether they need time to get up to speed. But one thing we’ve always said about Glenn is he’s not a player who has generally relied on his pace.
“He’s a fit lad who knows where the goal is, and is someone who has a hunger and desire to score goals and to play.
“For him, it’s about thirst of playing; wanting to continue to contribute.
“He’s at a stage of his career now where if he wanted to have a more comfortable life, he could certainly do that. But I’ve never seen that in Glenn.
“He desperately wants to play every game he can and he always wants to score goals."
Hughton is pleased to have someone to provide cover, competition and support for Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor.
“He’s an experienced player, and any changing room can always use that type of experience and knowledge in their squad," he added.
“We missed Lewis Grabban for some 12 games earlier in the season, and with Lyle Taylor and Glenn, it gives us a good group of different type players up front.
“It gives us more options now, which is the most important thing. And not just the options to start, but more options in games where we need to go for it a little bit more.”
