The club have confirmed that “just visiting” Pavel Srnicek, who isn’t actually a Geordie, has been handed a contract until January.

Speaking to the official website Roeder said:

“I haven’t really come across Pav before but after watching him in training this week I have to say he is in great shape.

“We invited him to the game with Everton last Sunday from Italy where he is living at the moment and he made such an impact on us we then asked him to train with us this week.

“He’s 38 but he really is superfit and there is no way anyone can say he is past it. And don’t forget keepers like David Seaman played until they were 40.

“I have to say that Pav has looked great in training and by bringing him back until the end of the year it will be great for our team spirit.

“He will be good for our young keeper Tim Krul and they tell me him and Steve Harper got on like a house on fire when the pair of them were here before.

“He was still playing football in Portugal in May and if we need him we will all have complete confidence in him.”

Welcome back to Toon Pav.