Niang open to Milan striker role

Posted Saturday, September 21, 2013 by Goal.com

The 18-year-old has no qualms playing up front in a bid to help out as injuries to the likes of Kaka, Riccardo Montolivo and Stephan El Shaarawy trouble Max Allegri’s squad

M'Baye Niang is open to playing as a striker for AC Milan, while injuries continue to decimate the Serie A outfit.

Massimiliano Allegri is without first-choice options such as Kaka, Riccardo Montolivo or Stephan El Shaarawy, limiting the coach’s choices to the likes of the young Frenchman or Valter Birsa, who started in a 2-0 win against Celtic on Wednesday.

Niang is open to assuming the role if called upon, stating he is no stranger to the position, and says that he hopes he can impress for the Rossoneri wherever Allegri assigns him to play.

"I’ve already played as a centre-forward for France [Under-21s]," he told Milan Channel. "It would not be a new role for me, so I am at the complete disposal of the coach.

"I trained well and I feel fit, so I am now available to coach Allegri. When he selects me, I will do everything I can to give my best."

Milan will be without nine first-team players due to injury when they take on Napoli on Sunday, but Niang insists the veterans can help the club through times like these.

"Games such as these against Napoli are beautiful to play," he added. "Hopefully we do well.

"I am convinced that the more experienced players are an asset to us younger ones within the dressing room. If we follow their advice we can grow well.

"The team can turn to my skills to win games, but I know we have many players who can do the same."