Midfielder Sylla was signed from Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot and winger Dawkins on loan from Tottenham and Lambert insists the pair will be thrown straight into first-team action.

"The two of them are ready to go," he told reporters ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.

"The lad Sylla will come in and will give us something we don't have with a bit of steel. He'll give us something in the middle of the pitch we haven't got.

"He will get stuck right in and you need players to do the dirty work.

"Simon can play anywhere. He will surprise people with the way he plays the game. He will create and make things happen.

"He can play anywhere across the middle. He had a spell in America (with San Jose Earthquakes) where he has been incredible. He's been in great form."