CONTROVERSIAL pundit Tony Cascarino has risked the wrath of Gary Megson by predicting that new signing Ivan Klasnic is not the answer to Wanderers’ goalscoring problems.

The former Republic of Ireland international was referred to as a “doughnut” by the Whites boss after last season’s 3-1 victory over Stoke on the opening day of last season.

On that occasion, Cascarino has questioned Johan Elmander’s Premier League credentials after his £8.2million move from Toulouse.

But writing in his internet column yesterday, the former striker turned his guns on Wanderers’ new loan signing from Nantes.

“Gary Megson needed to bring someone in as the club is desperately lacking in that area but whether the 29-year Croat is the answer, I’m not so sure,” he wrote.

“Megson had his fingers massively burnt by the big money signing of Johan Elmander last summer. In fact, they were pretty much charcoaled after the Swede scored just five goals 30 Premier League starts. I am surprised he’s recruited another player from the French League as he should have learnt that the level in France is very poor compared to England.

“The football in France is far weaker; the better players are picked up by Europe’s big guns very early on in their careers. The days are gone when you could find an Eric Cantona or David Ginola to snap up at a decent price as French football is now on a par with the Belgian and Dutch leagues. However, the difference between the Dutch and the French league is that in Holland they keep hold of their best young talent for a bit longer.”

Former Talksport presenter Cascarino has carved out a post-football career with his contentious views — and his latest comments are unlikely to go down well within the Wanderers hierarchy.

“Klasnic’s goalscoring record over the past few seasons is not particularly impressive. Although he has scored four goals in five league appearances for Nancy (sic) this season prior to moving to the Reebok.

“However, this was in the French second division, so is hardly much to shout about. Time will tell but whether a player who has suffered from the health problems that Klasnic has had can make an impact in the highly physical Premier League is debatable.”