Rozehnal Looks To Toon Hero

"I know all about how popular he was and I've even heard they made a T-shirt with 'Pav is a Geordie' on it. Of course I'd like to have the same sort of impact as he did. A T-shirt with 'David is a Geordie' on it? Why not?

"First I have to show people that I can fit into the side and that I can play football. I have to show I am a good man and a good defender.

"I've settled into the North-East well. I was here for one week before we started training and it was a great experience. I saw the training centre and the ground and I thought I was dreaming.

"I will be really happy here. My wife is pregnant and she is happy, everything has been arranged for her as well so I can just concentrate on playing football.

"It's up to me to adapt to English football and follow the advice of the coaches. I have to change a little, but I think my good skills will come out. I've had a chance to mark Michael Owen in training, but it isn't just about Michael, it's about the other strikers as well, Shola Ameobi and Obafemi Martins. They have been giving me a taste of what to expect in the Premiership.

"I think the standard, even in training, is better than it was in France. They are stronger and they are faster, it is a higher tempo. It can be tough to adapt, but it is a challenge I accept and I hope I made a good decision to come here. For sure, I'm looking forward to it and I will show everyone they made a good choice in bringing me here. It's up to me to show I should be in the first XI every week."