Sam Allardyce has revealed the extent of shock suffered by Alex Song as he watched his new team-mates against Southampton yesterday.

And the manager then declared how badly he needs him in the team which is already faltering in a big way.

Allardyce – having explained that we weren’t good enough against Saints – said: ” “Alex told me he couldn’t believe we could produce a performance like that.

.“We need Alex in the side because he’s going to kick a few backsides and motivate some people.

“He’s going to be a leader and that’s exactly what we need.”

He didn’t go on to explain where that leaves his present ‘leader’ Kevin Nolan when he returns from injury nor has he made it clear who will make way in the midfield for his boy from Barcelona.