Brian signed on a free transfer from Leicester on Friday, just minutes before training with his new team mates, and Tony says:
"He has got plenty of experience, and he is an interesting one because he is totally different from Jermain Defoe and David Connolly.
"I might add as well that Don Hutchison played excellently the other night in his role up front.
"It is another man for the squad though I don't really see Brian starting at the moment because even without David there is still Don up there who did so well against Spurs.
"He has got great experience, held the ball up, gained fouls, and is just used to those kind of big games so I think a place in the side has to be found for Don up front or in midfield.
"I played against Brian many times and he is a fit lad, good in the air, and a willing runner.
"He is a good experienced forward and that is what Alan has brought to the table there; great cover for those young boys, and if he does want to change it and go 'big man, little man' he now has the option.
"He is a real awkward customer - but you can tell he is getting on a bit because he has played against me!
"In his heyday he was excellent in the air and he has looked after himself so he will be hard, especially for first division defences, to handle."
Tony also reckons the signing of Hayden Mullins was astute, and he adds:
"Hayden Mullins is an excellent signing, a player who can play full back, centre back, midfield...and for me he is one of the best players in the first division who should have left Crystal Palace maybe two years ago to further his career.
"He is just one of these players that stayed at one club for too long, and he nearly missed the boat but thankfully Alan has got him.
"I think he will prove a worthy signing as well."