MARK Viduka last night admitted he had grown "stale" in his final season at Middlesbrough, but after swapping the Tees for the Tyne this summer, the Newcastle striker has thanked Sam Allardyce for stirring his competitive juices.

Despite scoring 19 goals to finish as Boro's leading goalscorer, Viduka ended last season in need of a new challenge following three seasons at the Riverside.

Spurning the Teessiders' offer of a new deal, the Australian opted to join Newcastle in one of the most controversial free transfers of the summer.

And while he has only been on Tyneside for a week after representing his country in the Asia Cup, he is already convinced that he was right to seek pastures new. Inspired by Allardyce's enthusiasm, Viduka will kick off the new season at Bolton tomorrow determined to do all he can to end a trophy drought that stretches beyond his arrival at Leeds in 2000.

"I had a great three years at Middlesbrough and enjoyed every moment of it," said the 31-year-old, who is expected to lead the line at the Reebok Stadium. "We got to a UEFA Cup final and I got to play in some really big games, but sometimes if you hang around too long you can get stale as well.

"I wanted to have some time to think about my future, but I chose to move to Newcastle because it's a club with massive potential. I was impressed by Sam's plans for the future, and that was the main reason for my choice.

"His stature is important to the club's chances. He's here to do a job and he's a strong personality. People who have that tend to be winners."

Viduka's arrival on Tyneside co-incided with Mike Ashley's successful buy-out of the Magpies. With Allardyce also finding his feet following his appointment in May, there has been a radical restructuring since Newcastle failed to finish last season in the top half of the table.

Everyone associated with the club expects to make progress over the next nine months, but Viduka has warned the supporters not to expect instant success.

"Can we win something? Well it's not very easy to do," he explained. "It's very difficult to do that in England, but our team has a lot of potential. I'd be stupid to stand here and say we'll win everything, but we'll give it a go.

"It might take a bit of time for things to gel together because there are a few players who have just arrived. It always takes a while for things to gel. Sam wants to put across his style, and that always takes time as well."

Time is not necessarily on Viduka's side, though, with the striker due to celebrate his 32nd birthday in early October.

Aware of the Australian's advancing years, Allardyce is keen to reduce Viduka's workload by calling time on his international career, a suggestion that is currently under consideration.

"It's something I'm thinking about," admitted Viduka. "I want to play at Newcastle for as long as I can, so it's a big ask to play for Australia. It's not like playing for a European country because there's a lot of travelling involved. The travelling takes its toll and, as you get older, it gets harder physically."

Viduka is one of seven summer signings to have arrived at St James' Park but, with Shay Given ruled out for at least a fortnight, Allardyce yesterday admitted that he could be forced to make an eighth addition before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

While Steve Harper is ready to replace Given this weekend, the Magpies manager is concerned that untried teenager Fraser Forster represents his only other goalkeeping cover.

Newcastle's coaching staff have informed him that Tim Krul is not ready for regular Premiership action.

The Dutch teenager has been allowed to continue his six-month loan spell at Scottish Premier League side, Falkirk.

Given is expected to be back in action before the end of the month but, with the Irishman having suffered two previous groin problems last season, Allardyce is considering signing a third goalkeeper regardless of his rate of recovery.

"We have a three-week window to find someone else if I think I need to," said the United boss.

"I'm sure Shay will be fine in two or three weeks, but from thereon if there's another problem with one of the goalkeepers, I have to make a decision as to whether or not I go out and buy one.

"Tim Krul isn't an option. I've spoken to the staff and the consensus is that he's too inexperienced and too young.

"He has great potential but he needs more experience playing first-team football at a lesser club. That's better than bringing him here and putting him into a situation he's not capable of coping with."

Albert Luque's father and agent, Rafael, claims that his son is on the verge of completing a loan move to Spanish side Levante.

The Valencia-based club are understood to be keen on striking a season-loan agreement for Luque, who has failed to impress since making a £9.5m move from Deportivo La Coruna in 2005.

"I believe that we will soon be in Valencia," said Luque senior. "I have attended some meetings this week and I expect a solution."