WANDERERS fans may have raised a few eyebrows when Neil Danns was revealed as the latest loan signing – but Dougie Freedman has no doubt he has found the right man to help turn the club’s fortunes round.
With all indications pointing to defensive improvements, the addition of an attack-minded midfielder to add competition to Chris Eagles, Darren Pratley, Chung-Yong Lee and Co provoked some debate among the Reebok regulars.
Freedman insists the 30-year-old Leicester City midfielder has exactly the right personality to introduce into a squad currently lacking confidence.
And though his former Crystal Palace colleague has struggled to get games at the King Power Stadium this season, the Whites boss feels he can make an immediate impact.
“I brought Neil in for his battling qualities, the intensity that he plays on and off the ball, and his character in and around the changing room,” he said.
“He’s someone I know well and when he became available – and there was funds available to do it – I had no hesitation.
“Obviously he went out on loan to Huddersfield Town last season and I couldn’t tell you what Leicester had in mind for him. But I know that when he became available this season it really was a no-brainer for me.
“He has played in a couple of games and because of the lad I know he is, he keeps himself in good condition. Is that three games a week? Probably not, because that is very difficult. But he can certainly start and finish a game for us.”
Danns has played just twice for Leicester this season in the Capital One Cup and Foxes boss Nigel Pearson believes a spell of regular football can be good for both parties.
“He needs to play games,” he said. “We wish him well there and hopefully he gets a few games there.
“We are very fortunate to have quite a lot of quality in terms of our central midfield options.
“Clearly there comes a time when you have to make decisions on what is best for us and best for the player.”
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