Patrick Kluivert said today that he does not expect to walk straight into the Newcastle side next season. The 28-year-old Dutch international signed a three-year deal at St James' Park earlier this week which will see him team up with Alan Shearer for the last year of the former England skipper's playing career.
Kluivert joined Newcastle on a free transfer from Barcelona and also played for AC Milan after starting his career at Ajax. While he admits it may takes a while to settle into the English game, the Dutchman does not intend to take his place in the starting XI for granted, with both Craig Bellamy, Shola Ameobi and youngster Michael Chopra also vying for the second striker's berth.
Kluivert told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "Sure, I will need some time to adapt, but I have already done it in other countries and am looking forward to playing my first match. He (Sir Bobby Robson has not guaranteed me a first-team place - you have to earn it. That makes the team stronger. Sure, he has got his favourite XI, but if there is somebody who plays better at that moment, he will make his choice."
Kluivert added: "I am looking forward to playing alongside Alan Shearer because he is the king of the box. I think Alan Shearer has proved he is a top striker still. He is a marvellous player and I want him to stay. But we have four great strikers, so it is not only Shearer and Kluivert – we also have Bellamy and Ameobi. We should not forget them."
The Dutchman revealed he had the chance to sign for other teams, both in England and Europe, and that manager Sir Bobby Robson was a major factor in his decision to chose Newcastle.
He said: "I had other offers, but now that is not important. I have signed a contract with Newcastle and am very happy with that. I know Sir Bobby from the time he was trainer at PSV. He was very important for my move to Newcastle. I spoke to players who had worked with him, and also he worked at Barcelona and did a very good job."
Kluivert is hoping a strong showing from him at Newcastle will help rejuvenate his international career after not making an appearance for the Netherlands at Euro 2004 this summer. But the striker is refusing to make any bold predictions for how Newcastle will fare in their quest to bring an end to their 35-year wait for a trophy.
He reflected: "We have a good team and will look at it from match to match, play as good as possible and then we will see where the ship ends."
After being allowed to return to Barcelona to tie up his personal affairs Kluivert is expected back on Tyneside early next week, although he is unlikely to play any part in Wednesday's friendly at Ipswich.
However, the striker could well make his debut at the weekend when the Magpies take on Rangers, Feyenoord and Sporting Lisbon in the Newcastle-Gateshead Cup tournament.
