It wasn't long ago people were talking about a million pound price tag for the boy Paul Peschisolido on Calvin Zola

Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido has said that the loan signing of striker Calvin Zola is a surefire sign that the club are making good progress.

Zola, 26, has joined until the end of the season from Crewe Alexandra.

And Peschisolido told BBC Radio Derby: "I'm ecstatic. It shows how far we have come that we have managed to attract him - and it wasn't for monetary terms.

"He has come for the football and the right reasons which is most important; it's a huge coup for the club."

Peschisolido is resigned to losing top scorer Shaun Harrad either in January or at the end of the season but feels Zola will make a big impact at the Pirelli Stadium.

"I'm very excited," Peschisolido added. "He's a player that has certainly caused us problems in the past.

"For one reason or another he hasn't been in the Crewe side but their loss is our gain and hopefully we will see the best of him in the future."

But Peschisolido insists Brewers supporters must not expect too much too soon as the Congolese forward has not played first-team football since early October.

Zola, who turned down moves to several clubs including Northampton before joining the Brewers, has played just eight games this season - with his last league appearance coming against Oxford United in September.

Peschisolido said: "People have to be patient it will take a bit of time to get his match fitness but Calvin has all the attributes; he's a big lad, strong and quick and has everything you want in a striker. We have a player of great quality.

606: DEBATE Good signing. Not cup tied either. Pesch certainly seems to have pulled the rabbit out of the hat with this one pez

"We have to get his confidence and fitness back and when we do that we will have one heck of a player.

"It wasn't long ago people were talking about a million pound price tag for the boy and he is only 26. I know the ability is in there and that doesn't go.

"Maybe he has lost a bit of belief and fitness but I am sure we will bring that back in order and we will have a heck of a player."

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