Barrel scraped - Kuqi in!

It's official. Newcastle have added another striker to the ranks and Shefki Kuqi is now a part of the team that is tasked with helping us to beat the dreaded drop.

It's fair to say that Kuqi isn't everyone's first choice, but a Newcastle player he is and I will certainly be getting behind him. It's unlikely that Kuqi will be a starting striker and I feel that he is more than likely going to be here as cover in case of any injury. It's only a short-term deal and will only last until the summer so I don't think there is any long-term plan behind the move. Kuqi is literally a stop gap.

This is what Alan Pardew told nufc.co.uk 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 ten 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."

I think that last line tells us all we need to know about the role of Kuqi and how he is going to fit into the team. Andy Carroll's replacement he is not, but he is another body that could help us through until the end of the season.

I remember a similar reaction when Antoine Sibierski was signed by Newcastle. People were less than enthused about him from the word go, but he proved people wrong and had much sympathy from fans when the club decided that they weren't going to renew his contract.

I'm not saying that Kuqi will manage to become a cult hero like Sibs was, but at least get behind him and give him a chance. Judging by some reaction I'm assuming that some people wanted to see the likes of Lionel Messi trotting through the revolving doors at St James' Park on a free transfer.

Kuqi, who will go straight into the squad for the weekend trip to Blackburn and will wear the number 42 shirt, had this to say about his move to Newcastle:

"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."

So there you go, deal done!

I'd just like to say happy birthday to MarkToon as he celebrates his 25th.

Happy birthday mate, have a striker! :D