NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew has paid tribute to Shefki Kuqi claiming he became a “legend” during his short stay at Newcastle.

The former Ipswich Town forward was signed on a free by Pardew following the sale of Andy Carroll on the final day of the transfer deadline window.

Kuqi failed to impress the Toon, finding chances hard to come by, before being released by Newcastle today, along with former England defender Sol Campbell.

But he left with praise from Pardew ringing in his ears with the manager saying: “He was added to our squad and he didn’t get the games he wanted. He was a bit frustrated at not getting on as much as he wanted because he came here to show people what he could do.

“The opportunities for him were scarce because our form during that time wasn’t bad – we lost just four times in the last 14 games while he was here.

“The fans may not have seen him but he became a bit of a legend at the training ground – he’s been a warrior in training.”

And the Newcastle boss believes other clubs should take a look at the Finnish international adding: “The sad thing is he really took to the place. He loved the people and the area.

“I can only advise teams like Hartlepool and Carlisle United to take a really good look at him this summer. He will be brilliant for them if he got the chance.”