Ross County manager Jim McIntyre believes the experience of new signing Abdoulaye Meite can be crucial in helping the Staggies remain in the Premiership.
The 34-year-old defender has signed until the end of the season. He has won 48 caps for Ivory Coast and was part of his country’s 2006 World Cup squad in Germany.
After starting his career with French side Red Star he then went on to spend six years with the Marseille, playing in the Uefa Cup final in 2004 when his side were beaten 2-0 by Valencia in Gothenburg.
The central defender moved on to Bolton Wanderers before a £2million move to West Brom in 2008.
Spells with Dijon in France and FC Honka in Finland followed, before Meite returned to England with Doncaster Rovers for the latter part of last season. He has most recently been with Greek outfit OFI Crete.
County are bottom of the Premiership, six points behind tomorrow’s opponents Motherwell as well as St Mirren, with 14 games remaining.
Meite becomes County’s 27th new signing of the season, and although he is not expected to play in tomorrow’s crucial match against the Steelmen, McIntyre is delighted to have him signed for the rest of the season.
McIntyre said: “He has great experience, a phenomenal pedigree, and we think he can do really well for us.
“His track record speaks for itself given where he has been and what he has achieved in his career at the top level in England and France, as well as in Greek football.
“He has played at a World Cup and in big European matches, and his quality has been apparent over the last few days while training with us.
“Like other free agents we have signed, he needs a bit of work to get himself up to full fitness but I’m confident he will be a great asset.”