Toon seal Gooch deal

The 24-year-old - who arrives at St James Park from Standard Leige - passed a medical on Monday, and will now provide cover for Newcastle's injury ravaged back line.

Roeder has negotiated a deal with the Belgian club for the remainder of the season, with an option for a permanent move at the end of the loan spell.

"We have secured Oguchi Onyewu," Roeder confirmed. "He comes across as an impressive person - he is certainly physically impressive, which is something I feel we need.

"I watched him a few times and [assistant manager] Nigel Pearson watched him a few times when he was at West Brom last year.

"They were particularly keen to sign him, but Oguchi was looking to step higher if he could, and he feels coming here to Newcastle for the next 12 games or so that he can make a good enough impression to make it a permanent move.

"I certainly hope so. I am delighted to have him."

The news comes as a pleasant surprise to Toon fans after Roeder had apparently admitted defeat in his pursuit of the player nicknamed 'Gooch' last Friday.