By support

4th Aug, 2016 | 3:53pm

Di Matteo shares the two McCormack qualities that make him stand out

By Amir Mir

Roberto Di Matteo has hailed Ross McCormack’s scoring record and Championship experience as the reasons for his £12million switch from Fulham on Thursday morning.

The club announced on their official website that the highly-sought forward has penned a four-year deal at Villa Park, as they beat off competition from Championship rivals Norwich.

Di Matteo will be pleased with his latest addition after a summer of speculation and talk trying to find a new striker for the club as the Italian hailed the 29-year-olds record.

“Ross has a proven track record and plenty of experience in the division,” said Di Matteo as quoted by the club’s official Twitter account. “His goal scoring record has been excellent everywhere.”

The Scottish international netted on 21 occasions for Fulham last season, but his record of 116 goals in 306 games in the Championship is one of the major factors as to why Di Matteo purchased the former Rangers player.

Supporters will be hoping McCormack can provide the club with the much needed goals for promotion after 27 goals last term resulted in the club’s relegation to the second-tier.

Di Matteo’s four summer signings total £24 million, after Tommy Elphick signed for £3million, goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini joining for £4.1million and Aaron Tshibola transferring for £5million.

McCormack will be hoping for a first-team spot in the club’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday afternoon.

In other Aston Villa team news, Ian Holloway has made another prediction that will enrage the club’s owner.