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Kuqi Flies In
Written by Newcastle Utd
Finnish international striker Shefki Kuqi joins Newcastle until the end of the season to bolster Alan Pardew's attacking options
By Dan King
Alan Pardew has bolstered his attacking options with the signing of free agent Shefki Kuqi. The big Finnish international, 34, arrives at St. James' Park until the end of the season.
He has made almost 500 career appearances and scored just short of 150 goals - many of them celebrated with his trademark bellyflop - and could be involved against one of his old clubs, Blackburn Rovers, on Saturday.
Kuqi first came to England ten years ago, with Stockport County, before earning a move to Sheffield Wednesday. A successful spell at Ipswich was followed by a season at Blackburn.
He then joined Crystal Palace before heading to German side TuS Koblenz. A year ago, he joined Swansea and spent three months on loan at Derby earlier in the season.
Although his contract with The Swans was terminated by mutual consent last month after seven goals in 16 starts, he remains popular with their fans and even after his departure, has recorded a charity song in memory of ex-Swansea player Besian Idrizaj, who died at the age of just 22 after a suspected heart attack. Idrizaj's family hails from Kosovo, as does Kuqi's.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew said: "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."