Ron Atkinson is excited to see West Bromwich Albion land former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka.

Big Ron - no stranger to adding flair to the Baggies - reckons the Frenchman will inspire his new team-mates and also help boss Steve Clarke sell the club to other recruits.

"Steve Clarke knows him well from his Chelsea days and will have checked all this out to his satisfaction, I'm sure," said Atkinson to the Express & Star.

"And it's a bit of glamour for Albion, isn't it? He's a big name - and Albion fans love someone with a bit of flair.

"He will have a big impact, I would have thought, in the dressing room. The other players will respond to his presence, there's no doubt about that.

"But there's another benefit, too, in that it might make the job of selling the club to other targets this summer a little easier.

"Steve Clarke can say: 'Well, Anelka's signed - we must have something going for us' and perhaps land one or two who will see that.

"It's a big lift for everyone, but he's got to be able to do it when it matters. There's no hiding from that."