SHEFKI KUQI today checked into Newcastle United’s Benton HQ and vowed he was "ready" to take on his old club Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
The Chronicle revealed on February 3 that Alan Pardew was set to dip into the free transfer market and we reported last night that Kuqi has emerged as a shock contender to bolster the Toon manager’s threadbare frontline.
Kuqi at 34 has been handed a dream chance to breathe life back into his career after having his contract terminated with Championship outfit Swansea City last month.
There’s no doubt that Kuqi is a much travelled character in football but while many have described the ex-Blackburn, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Stockport man as a "replacement" for Andy Carroll, the thinking behind the move is for Kuqi to provide cover for cheekbone victim Shola Ameobi and create competition for Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and Nile Ranger.
Speaking about the Finnish international Pardew said today: "We needed another option up-front, because we're a little light there due to the temporary loss of Shola, and Shefki will provide us with something different.
"He's match fit and knows the English game well having been in the country for the best part of 10 years.
"He is ready straight away and that's what we wanted.
"Shefki is a good, honest pro who will give us a strong physical presence from the bench."
Kuqi is a robust centre-forward and at 6ft 2in will offer Newcastle aerial options too.
Born in Yugoslavia but capped 62 times for Finland, the big man has netted 150 goals in 500 games for his various clubs.
Kuqi is also renowned for celebrating with in special style with a bellyflop earning him the nickname the Flying Finn.
Kuqi, who says he reluctantly left Swansea, said: "I feel strong and fit — I haven't missed many games in my career.
"I will keep going until I stop enjoying it and I stop believing I can help my team when I am on the pitch.
And reflecting on leaving the Swans, Kuqi says: "I can't do anything to help them any more, but I hope they achieve their target this season.
"It was hard for me to sign the papers to say I would leave because I still feel I could have played a part, especially in certain games."
wrote:Jordi, I hope you are joking when you say good goalscorer.
