THIAW'S MIGHTY HAMMER

Newcastle's new superhero defender Malick proves a real marvel in front of goal

- BY ANDY DUNN

IT says a lot about the Premier League's transfer business that a £35 million import can go under the radar.

Of course, his excellence has been quickly acknowledged by Newcastle supporters, but Malick Thiaw has now announced himself to a wider audience.

And he has done so as not only a technically-gifted centre-half, but as an unlikely goalscorer.

In any era, defenders who can be decisive in the opposition penalty area are invaluable to a manager.

Going into Newcastle's game at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Thiaw did not have any sort of notable track record in that department.

One goal in the Bundesliga for Schalke 04 [plus two in the Bundesliga's second tier] and one in the Champions League for AC Milan last season.

In the hammering of Everton, Thiaw scored twice.