Wayne Rooney signs forgotten striker with over 100 Premier League appearances who married popstar

Wayne Rooney has signed a brand new striker for Plymouth Argyle.

Argyle have won two of their opening eight Championship games, beating Sunderland in an EFL classic and then Premier League relegated Luton Town.

Plymouth manager Rooney has had a mixed bag of results to start the seasonGetty

Their last game ended in defeat as Rooney’s side failed to hit the net in a 1-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Devonshire outside also suffered a blow in recent weeks with 24-year-old Nigerian striker Muhamed Tijani suffering an injury in training ahead of Argyle’s last away trip.

Tijani is on a season-long loan from Czech side Slavia Prague and had originally returned to the first-team after groin and hamstring injuries.

But now the striker, who has only played three times this season, is likely to be out until the New Year.

Up steps Andre Gray, the man signed to replace him.

Gray was a free agent following an unsettling time with his last club, Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh.

The Jamaica international has made over 100 Premier League appearances, scoring 23 goals and assisting seven during his time there.

Argyle have signed the former Watford and Burnley striker – although he will not be available for Saturday’s home game against Blackburn Rovers.

The 33-year-old Gray will wear the number 19 for Rooney’s side and will hope Plymouth can provide a nicer environment for wife Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

The pair went through a long-distance marriage during Gray’s time in Saudi Arabia as the Little Mix star focused on her solo career.

Gray played in the Premier League for Burnley and WatfordNews Group Newspapers Ltd

Signing Gray is a big boost for Rooney’s hopes in his debut season as Plymouth managerX: @Argyle

Gray’s career began at Shrewsbury Town, before his career accelerated in the 2011/12 season, during a loan move at Luton Town when he scored five goals in nine games.

After securing a permanent move to the Hatters, Gray would go on to score 57 times in 111 National League appearances before moving to Championship side Brentford.

Gray excelled in his first season at Brentford, scoring 18 goals, which opened up a move to Burnley.

His 23 goals helped the Clarets gain promotion to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season.

After that, Gray signed for Watford, where he would become a Premier League regular over the following three seasons.

He made 83 appearances, mostly as a substitute, but scored only 14 goals at the club he has made the most appearances for.

Gray moved to Cyprus club Aris for the 2022/23 season and played in the UEFA Europa Conference League before his move to Saudi Arabia.

Argyle host Blackburn at 3pm on Saturday, but the game came too soon for Gray who was not granted international clearance in time.

The veteran frontman could be set instead to make his Argyle debut in their next match away to Cardiff.