Newcastle Jets signing Fabio Vignaroli impressed coach Gary van Egmond in his first proper training session yesterday. The 32-year old displayed some of the skills that made him a regular starter with both Lazio and Bologna in the Italian Serie A and van Egmond is excited seeing him in a competitive match.

"It was the first time we've seen him with the ball and he looked nice and sharp," van Egmond told 442.

"He's a decent finisher and probably had more touches out there than any other player in the small-sided games we had. He's looking good.

"We've got four or five trial matches before we get going and we'll know a lot more by then. But early indications are good.

"He's someone who can get on the ball and direct traffic in and around the final third.

"We played some good football over the season but we were a little bit devoid of ideas in that front third when it came to either a final pass or a finish. As you can see, he can do both.

"He really fits the bill as a second striker or one of the two in the wide areas. So hopefully he offers versatility."