ORIENT have completed the signing of French striker Jonathan T�hou� in time for Saturday s clash with Bristol Rovers, writes TREVOR DAVIES. The 25-year-old hitman is set to go straight into the squad, as Orient boss Geraint Williams has strengthened his a

ORIENT have completed the signing of French striker Jonathan T�hou� in time for Saturday's clash with Bristol Rovers, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

The 25-year-old hitman is set to go straight into the squad, as Orient boss Geraint Williams has strengthened his attacking options.

The O's boss said: "We had Jonathan in before Christmas and he impressed us in training and in the reserve game he played.

"It took a while for his international clearance to come through, but he is available now and has done well in training. He will be pushing to be involved at the weekend and we will be looking for him to give us a boost.

"Jonathan has a lot of attributes - he's strong, has a good leap and a decent turn of pace. We're looking forward to working with him and him giving us another option up front."

T�hou�, who was born in Paris, has signed a contract until the end of the season and has played top level football in his native France, Belgium and Turkey.

He started his professional career with Corsican side SC Bastia and played seven Ligue Un matches for them, before moving to Cyprus to join APOEL in 2005.

He then joined Belgian side Royal Excelsior Virton during the 2005-06 season before earning a move to FC Brussels in the summer of 2006.

The much-travelled striker then joined Turkish Super Lig club Kasimpasa and also played for Konyaspsor before a contract dispute ended his time in Turkey.

He looked set to join Huddersfield Town last season, but the contract problem scuppered the move.

But T�hou� is delighted things have been sorted out and with his international clearance through is looking forward to playing in England.

"I think the English league is one that I will be well suited to," he explained.

"I want to improve myself and I'm really thankful for the gaffer for giving me the chance to join Orient. Now it's up to me to show what I can bring to the team.

"England is a tough league, you have to be strong, fast and clever, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"I've wanted to play in England for a long time, so I'm glad to be here now."

T�hou� believes that the fact he has been training at Orient for a few weeks will be a big help.

"I've been around the team for almost a month now, so I've got to know the players and I'm sure that will help me to settle in quickly," he said.

And the striker is desperate to be involved at the weekend: "I hope to be in the squad for Saturday and it will be great to get started with the first match."

As for his strengths, T�hou� explained: "I can't talk about myself, you must ask the gaffer, but I do think I will offer something different for the team.

"Hopefully I can bring another solution for him with my power up front, maybe as a target man, although I can also play deep too.