Martinez: Lacina is out for a couple of weeks but I’m glad we have him
Roberto Martinez says that he is delighted to add the loan signing of giant Ivorian striker Lacina Traore to the permanent transfer of flying Irish winger Aiden McGeady in the January transfer window.
The 6ft 8in striker won’t be fit for a few months according to the Everton manager, but he sees the big forward having an important part to play at Goodison Park.
Martinez also says that his business in to Everton is complete for the winter, although Johnny Heitinga is still expected to leave the club in January.
He said: “It’s difficult to get the two priorities on your shopping list in any transfer window but especially January so I’m delighted. We will have real strength once the window closes.
“Lacina will be the last arrival. Getting Aiden McGeady and Lacina Traore is very good business in January. That was always the priority so I’m pleased we were able to get those two players.”
“He is at the back of a soft tissue injury and we need to make sure that’s fully healed before we can set him on the demands of the Premier League,” said Martinez. “It’s a matter of weeks.
“I see his role being important for the last nine or ten games of the season. At the moment it’s important he gets to know the players and how we play.”
Martinez also spoke of what Traore brings to the club and he says that he is much more than just a tall player.
“As a player he’s got real pace along with his height which is so eye catching. He’s got great coordination which allows him to use that height well to get a good speed. His movement is good too and technically he’s as good as you’re going to see with that height.
“He brings something completely different and can play in different positions. He can play as a number nine or just behind the striker which will give us really good options in an area we are weak due to the injury of Arouna Kone.
“He’s an exciting footballer we need to nurture and help to come back to this sort of league and make sure he is well looked after. That’s what he needs to be at a football club like ours with a friendly nature which will allow him to be himself and settle.”
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