Scaramozzino signs in at Priestfield

Last updated : 01 September 2005 By Simon Head
Scaramozzino: French U21 international
Scaramozzino, who is in the first team squad at French La Championnat side Nice, comes highly recommended by Neale Cooper's former Aston VilIa teammate Simon Stainrod - and after impressing Cooper and Ronnie Jepson during training earlier this week, the clubs agreed a loan deal, taking Scaramozzino to Priestfield for the remainder of the season.

An under-21 international for France, Scaramozzino can operate at left back or left midfield - and will help shore up the left hand side of the Gills starting XI.

Neale Cooper spoke to the official website and was clearly pleased to have added the Frenchman to his squad.

"I'm delighted that Anthony has agreed to join us.

"He was recommended to me by a good friend of mine - Simon Stainrod - who has given him rave reviews.

"We invited him in for training and Ronnie worked with him yesterday and was suitably impressed. He's a left sided player who can play both left back and wide left.

"He has come up through the youth system in France and has played for the French U21s. He is very quick and has good movement.

"He is with Nice at the moment and they were keen for him to get some first team experience under his belt. Playing in this league will give him that, and we will also benefit as a team.

"His arrival gives me further options and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Talking to BBC Radio Kent, Cooper suggested that he may feature regularly in the side sooner rather than later.

"Sometimes you have to take a chance. He's a good lad, good physique and good quality.
"He gives us that cover but he won't be just cover if he's as good as people say he is."

We believe Scaramozzino will go straight into the squad for the Rotherham match - and is expected to wear the number two shirt. We wish him well during his time in England.