Curbishley not worried by di Canio’s reputation

ALAN CURBISHLEY claims recruiting Paolo di Canio, the Italian striker with the wild-man reputation, doesn’t faze him.

“It will make me a better manager,” said the Charlton boss upon unveiling the 35-year-old as his latest signing today.

The controversial striker has sealed a one-year deal with the Addicks in the twilight of a colourful career that has included an 11-match ban for pushing a referee while at Sheffield Wednesday.

Di Canio also had a run-ins with manager Glenn Roeder at West Ham, who declined to renew his contract at the end of last season.

The former Hammers, Wednesday, Celtic, AC Milan, Lazio, Napoli and Juventus star has been accused of unsettling dressing rooms and badly influencing team-mates wherever he has played.

But Curbishley said: “I want Paolo’s professionalism to rub off on the other players. I want to see youngsters benefiting from his advice. I’m delighted to say I have already seen that happening after just a couple of days. Paolo says what he feels and maybe that is what we needed at this club.”