Why Southampton striker Charlie Austin is the perfect man to replace Jonathan Walters at Stoke… for now
Potters have been linked with a move for the ex-QPR forward in recent weeks and he would be a welcome addition
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AS it stands, Stoke are entering the new season with a gaping hole in our attack.
Mark Hughes has yet to replace Jonathan Walters after selling him to Burnley, and has less than three weeks to go until we kick-off against Everton at Goodison Park.
With only the temperamental Saido Berahino, the inconsistent Mame Biram Diouf, the untested Joselu and part-time radio DJ Peter Crouch as options upfront, it is certain that Hughes will be adding to his striking options before the window slams shut on August 31.
A name among the many that have been linked in the past few weeks with a move to Staffordshire is Southampton striker, Charlie Austin.
Since arriving on the south coast from QPR in January 2016, his playing time has been hindered and beset by a constant stream of injuries.
The arrival of Italian hitman Mario Gabbiadini has also seemingly ended any hopes Austin had of securing a starting berth at St Mary’s.
The 28-year-old on the face of it could be the perfect replacement for Walters.
A hardworking, consistent goal scorer who is more than capable of leading the line on his own or as part of a two man attack.
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His 18 goal return for an incredibly poor QPR side when they were relegated in 2015 proved his credentials at Premier League level and resulted in an England call-up in May of the same year.
But there is a reason as to why a forward with such a good record hasn’t been picked up by a team contenting for honours.
The former Swindon man has struggled with injuries in the past few years, including failing a medical ahead of a proposed move to Hull in summer 2013.
Since arriving at Southampton 18 months ago, he has spent more time on the treatment table than out on the pitch.
He only managed to feature in 16 games last season after a shoulder injury picked up in a Europa League game in December ruled him out for four months.
As a goal scorer, there is no doubting Austin’s ability and his record proves that - 25 goals in 54 Premier League appearances is impressive.
Despite this, is it possible for a team that has ambitions to challenge for the Europa League places and mount a deep cup run to rely on a player whose ability to remain fit for a prolonged period of time has come under question consistently?
In the long-term, Austin is not the man to replace Walters as the spearhead of the attack but as a short-term solution while other targets are sort, he could prove to be a fantastic piece of business if he can stay fit.
As always with Austin, it’s a question as to whether he can remain fit.