Macheda’s hunger can work to Rovers’ advantage

The 22-year-old striker joined Rovers yesterday from the Premier League champions on a month’s loan and looks set to go straight into the squad for tonight’s trip to Watford.

Dickov is in no doubt Rovers have landed a quality striker who can help address their lack of goals in the Championship.

After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Old Trafford – netting winners in successive Premier League matches against Sunderland and Aston Villa in 2009 – Macheda failed to secure a regular start at Old Trafford.

He was sent out on loan to QPR, Sampdoria and Stuttgart to get first-team football, but with his current United deal set to expire in the summer, Macheda can put himself in the shop window at Rovers.

“It’s been a frustrating couple of years for him and hopefully he will get the opportunity here to show everybody what he is all about,” said Dickov.

“I think it’s a massive coup for this club.

“We’ve got him for an initial month with a view to extending it to the 93 days which is the maximum we can do.

“He’s a goalscorer. His record over the last couple of years is slightly misleading because he’s been at a couple of top clubs but not necessarily went there and played.

“That has been a massive disappointment for him, (and)hopefully that will work in our favour.

“The kid’s determined, he has a great attitude, and is really hungry to get his career back on track. He’s different to what we’ve got. Technically he’s very good, he can hold the ball up, but we want to get him in the box because that’s where he’s at his best.”

It is a busy night of Championship football, with Huddersfield Town playing host to Charlton Athletic, Barnsley travelling to Bournemouth, and Middlesbrough away at Nottingham Forest.

Barnsley manager David Flitcroft hopes his side can bounce back from a 3-2 defeat at Forest on Saturday.

“I’ve got massive belief in this squad and this group of players,” said Flitcroft.

“You certainly hope we can [turn things around tonight]. I’ve watched a few performances and we’ll get better and better as we keep trying to develop this squad.”