Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of the Finland international striker Shefki Kuqi until the end of the season. The 34-year-old, who was a free agent after his contract with Swansea City was terminated by mutual consent last month, could go straight into the squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to Blackburn Rovers, one of his former clubs.
Kuqi has been drafted in to provide back-up to strikers Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and Nile Ranger following the £35m departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool and Shola Ameobi's fractured cheekbone. The Spanish forward Xisco has also moved on loan to Deportivo la Coruña.
Alan Pardew, the Newcastle manager, said: "We needed another option up front because we are 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 arrived in England in January 2001 when Stockport County signed him from FC Jokerit for £300,000, and he has since played for Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Blackburn, Crystal Palace and Swansea, along with loan spells at Fulham and Derby County either side of a spell in Germany with Koblenz. He is approaching 500 career appearances and 150 goals.
Kuqi told Sky Sports News: "I don't really have the words to describe how happy I am. To get this chance is a massive thing for me. I am just happy to be here now and I can't wait to start and hopefully try to do the best I can for Newcastle United.
"For me, it is a great opportunity just to be back in the Premier League again. It is something I have tasted before. Everybody knows it is the best league in the world and to be part of it and a club the size of Newcastle United, I am really proud. It's an honour to be here."
Kuqi will wear the No42 shirt and provide support for Pardew's three remaining senior strikers from the bench.
Best and Ranger were withdrawn from international duty this week as they nursed minor injuries in the wake of Saturday's spectacular 4-4 draw with Arsenal. Ameobi, Best and Lovenkrands have claimed six goals between them in the six league games since Carroll last pulled on a black-and-white shirt, with Newcastle losing just one of them.