Rene Girard: Utaka can lead Montpellier attack

By Michael Penkman, Reporter | 03 March 2012

Montpellier HSC coach Rene Girard believes that John Utaka is capable of leading the attack in place of the suspended Olivier Giroud.

Montpellier HSC coach Rene Girard believes that John Utaka is more than capable of filling in for the prolific Olivier Giroud.

La Pallaide travel to Dijon on Saturday looking to stretch their lead over second-placed Paris Saint-Germain to four points.

Giroud, who tops Ligue 1's scoring charts with 16 goals so far this season, will miss the trip to the Stade Gaston Gerard through suspension.

However, Girard believes that Nigerian forward Utaka can capably lead the line in the Frenchman's place.

"He is a class footballer who is also a real team player," said Girard. "He's powerful and he's fast, and mentally, he's rock solid.

"Sure, he took some time to adapt when he arrived; he came from playing in England, where they play a distinct style of football. But since the beginning of this season, he has been superb."

The former Portsmouth star has bagged five goals so far this campaign, including the winner in last week's 1-0 win over Bordeaux.

"These days I'm seeing the John I remember from his time at Lens, a lad capable of some amazing things," added Girard. "Sometimes his finishing lets him down slightly, but he is capable of putting tremendous pressure on the opposition. He's really starting to get his confidence back."

Montpellier are currently first in Ligue 1, just one point above Paris Saint-Germain.