West Ham United: McCarthy or McDonald? You decide!
West Ham United have been linked with more men this month than WAG surpemo Danielle Lloyd and following the arrival of Gold and Sullivan at the Boleyn it looks increasingly likely that Zola will have an extra face or two to work with come Tuesday morning. Up front is a particular area of interest for the Hammers and two names that have been in the frame this past week are Benni McCarthy of Blackburn Rovers and Celtic’s Scott McDonald. However, what I want to know is, if you were in Zola’s shoes, who would you rather have at the Boleyn Ground, McCarthy or McDonald?
Benni McCarthy
The South African striker has fallen out with Big Sam at Ewood Park and looks to be on his way to the East End after the two clubs agreed a fee. However, securing a work permit seems to be holding up the deal.
McCarthy has long been linked with a move to West Ham United. In 2006 the former Porto marksman was a target for then West Ham manager Alan Pardew. However, he chose the bright lights of Blackburn instead and took the English game by storm. McCarthy bagged 18 goals in 36 games in the league and his overall total was 24 from 50 appearances.
Unfortunately injuries, a loss of form and changes in management have prevented him from replicating that form.
McCarthy has an eye for goal, is smart in the box and has enough nous in front of goal to succeed. Maybe a change of scenery and a regular run in the first team will see him reproduce the goods. At £2.5 million, McCarthy is a relatively cheap gamble to take. It looks highly likely that a deal for McCarthy will be concluded this Sunday, that is of course unless Spurs are waiting to nab him at the gates of Upton Park, ala Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Scott McDonald
The Australian international and Glasgow Celtic is reportedly another target for Gianfranco Zola. McDonald has scored a phenomenal 51 times for Celtic in 88 appearances since joining the club from Motherwell in 2007 and Zola may be willing to give the Australian a chance to prove himself in England.
McDonald may not be the most athletic striker in the game but he is a predator in the box. He can make space for himself in the box, is a willing runner and can score with either foot. At 26, McDonald still has a lot to learn about the game and there is no better teacher than Zola. Just look at how far Carlton Cole’s game has come on under the little Italian.
West Ham also have a great history of buying players who have graced the famous green and white hooped shirts. Frank McAvennie and Paolo Di Canio have both played for both clubs and are absolute legends now in the East End thanks to their scoring exploits. Maybe McDonald could continue that trend. However, the critics will point at his record in the SPL and say that he is only scoring against Sunday League teams.
Both McCarthy and McDonald are proven goalscorers with international and European experience. However, if you were Zola and you had the money to spend who would you want to partner Carlton Cole in your forward line? McCarthy or McDonald? I’d love to hear from you.
