NEWCASTLE United boss Alan Pardew believes Shefki Kuqi will provide a much-needed option up front after joining the Magpies until the end of the season.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker was snapped up yesterday as Newcastle attempt to cope with the loss of target man Andy Carroll, who joined Liverpool for £35m on the last day of the January transfer window.

Shola Ameobi is also currently sidelined through injury, and Kuqi was a free agent having been released by Swansea.

The 34-year-old said: “I don’t really have the words to describe how happy I am.

“To get this chance is a massive thing for me.

“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.

“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.”

Pardew 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.”