Hornets: Issa is Vialli's latest defensive investment

10:00am Friday 14th September 2001

WATFORD'S latest recruit, Pierre Issa, had a 60-minute work-out in a reserve-team friendly against Charlton Athletic on Thursday, September 13.

The 6ft 4inch central defender is awaiting international clearance, and if that comes through, he will join the squad for Saturday's match (September 15), although is unlikely to play.

Issa (pronounced Eeesa) is a South African international, but has been raised in France having made 46 appearances for Marseilles as well as being on loan to Dunkirque. Although born in Johannesburg, he has a French passport, hence there is no need for a work permit, just the international clearance.

The 26-year-old joins Watford on a free transfer, having previously caught the eye of the Vicarage Road backroom staff when he was on loan to Chelsea for four months last season.

"He is going to be in the squad. He is an international," said Luca Vialli. "In order to improve the squad and remembering the number of matches we face, it is good to have another defensive option.

"He might start a number of matches and he might not, but I see that as increasing the competition for places in the centre of defence with Filippo, Vega, Ward and now, Pierre Issa."

With Watford's defence averaging two goals conceded on their travels, Vialli plainly wants to improve his options.

"He will be a member of the squad who has experience, and brings a lot to the team. It is good to have a player like that in your squad," he said.

"He is very solid and he is very good in the air. He has got two feet so it is difficult to say if he is a right-footed or left-footed player. He can play football and is comfortable on the ball. He has experience and personality because he is an international.

"Therefore, I think he can cope with the problems of the first division. He is tall and strong, while not having the biggest of frames. "

Issa impressed in the 60-minute friendly work-out against Charlton, which Watford won 1-0 courtesy of an Elliott Godfrey goal, but he is short of match practice and is in need of games.

On the face of it, the new signing takes Watford's tally of central defenders to seven. However, Vialli points out that younger players Matt Langston and Jerel Ifil "are not ready yet".

He also stressed he does not consider James Panayi as a central defender.

"Panayi I do not see as a centre half, but more as a left or right-sided player, playing at the back four. He is better going forward than at defending and he has ability on the ball and is quite confident in possession," said the manager.

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