The 31-year-old rejected a new contract offer at Middlesbrough this summer to join Sam Allardyce's St James' Park revolution and says he is relishing the latest chapter in his career.

Viduka said: "Newcastle is a massive challenge and I am excited about it. I was very sad to leave Middlesbrough but sometimes you can get stale and fade off. This is the right decision for my career.

"You begin to realise there are not so many years left to go whereas when you're younger you take it a bit more for granted. You think you are going to play for ever but now you want to get some great memories."

The Australian looks almost certain to start against Allardyce's old club alongside Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins.

The Australian is also relishing the opportunity to join back up with his old Leeds team-mate Alan Smith.

Viduka added: "I was happy when I heard the other day that Alan was coming to get a medical. Me and Smithy go back a long way and there is no doubt he is a great player for the squad."