Meite looks to help Rovers and his career
Ivory Coast international Abdoulaye Meite is keen to reward Paul Dickov's faith in the coming weeks and months - and boost his own hopes of an extended Rovers deal in the process. The former Bolton Wanderers and West Brom defender made his league debut for Rovers the clash at Blackburn, after finally signing for the club for the rest of the season. He then scored his first goal in the 3-0 win over Charlton.
Meite, 33, had been training at the club since November after leaving Finnish outfit FC Honka, but Rovers had to wait until the new year to sign him as he was still technically contracted to them. The Parisian is now aiming to make up for lost time on the action front, while lending his considerable experience into helping Rovers achieve their survival mission. Meite, played in a Uefa Cup Final with one of his previous clubs in Marseille.
What is your aim after joining Rovers?
I am here until the end of the season and I have to do well and after that, we will see if I stay or not if the club are happy with how I play.
What made you sign for Rovers?
The manager showed how wanted me and that was important to me personally. I am happy to sign for Doncaster and help the club stay in the Championship, which is a good standard of football. Paul (Dickov) convinced me that this would be a good move for me in my career and that he is confident we will stay at this level.
Where were you before Rovers?
I finished in Finland in October with FC Honka and after that I came here to train and now I am happy that the hard work I put in has given me this chance. Practice games are not the same for your fitness but a couple of reserve games helped my match readiness. I feel good now after tow league games where we only let in one goal at Blackburn. I feel I did well at the Wigan game against some very good players. In Finland, it was different and the standard was not the same as this division. There is a big gap but I am happy to play at the Championship level having played in the Premier League.
What do you do bring to the side?
I will bring experience as I have played at the highest level plus internationally. There are some good players here who when they are all fit will get us moving up the table and I think can help this.
What about the goal?
I was pleased to get my goal but I don’t care who scores as long as the team moves up the table. It is always nice to get on the score sheet but as I have said the whole team played so well, so that was the big positive and getting a goal was a bonus.