STUART McCall admits Charlie Wyke's move to Valley Parade had to be fast-tracked when Sheffield United swooped for James Hanson.

On the day that both strikers go head-to-head at Bramall Lane, the City boss revealed that he had originally pencilled in Wyke as a potential summer target.

But his hand was forced when the Blades suddenly came in for Hanson and City had to snap up a replacement straight away.

With seven goals under his belt, Wyke has proved it was well worth pushing through early and McCall reckons the January double deal has been a "win-win" for both clubs.

He said: "Charlie has been everything we hoped he would be and more, if I am honest. He was always on the radar but I had never managed to see him live.

"The plan had been to look at him in the flesh a couple of times between now and the end of the season, with a view to possibly signing him in the summer.

"The twist then came with James Hanson and we got a bid out of the blue from Sheffield United. That meant we needed to react quickly and Charlie was the one we wanted."

McCall believes Wyke, who was finally secured on deadline day after Carlisle resistance, has made an even bigger impression than he expected.

"His goals record is good but it is his all-round play, too, that we like," said the City boss.

"Even in training, when we are working on possession, he is good. Strikers are usually not the ones that stand out because their skills are elsewhere but Charlie does.

"He is strong, links play well and is good in the air. He is a good old-fashioned centre forward and a good finisher.

"Charlie is an unassuming lad who won't get ahead of himself. He is from the north east and his feet are on the ground.

"You do your homework and speak to people. I did that, so did Greg (Abbott) and others. But until you work with a player, you never truly know them, and in that respect, he has been a big bonus for us."

City underwent a significant revamp during the January window, replacing the experience of Hanson, Filipe Morais and Nathan Clarke with Wyke, Alex Jones for £30,000 and Alex Gilliead on loan.

McCall said: "When you play in front of 17,000 and are used to a lot less, it can be difficult. But Charlie took to playing in front of big crowds really well and Jonesy and Alex Gilliead the same.

"We went down the younger route with potential but with good senior lads already here, as they are needed. You have to be careful you have the right balance at clubs like this with expectation.

"It has been a win-win January for both teams. We have a younger James Hanson. The owners have said from day one they want to bring younger players in and develop them.

"Charlie falls into that category, as does Alex Jones and I have been delighted with him as well. We needed goals. The performances were there but not necessarily the results."