By Matthew Jones
July 30 2005

Newcastle United have completed the signing of 29-year-old Australian captain Craig Moore after he arrived at St James' Park on Friday to agree personal terms, complete a medical and sign the deal.

#18 Craig Moore - the new signing will wear the number 18 shirt.

Newcastle's defensive ranks were in need of a bolster, with Titus Bramble set to miss the start of the season with a broken elbow.

Free agent Moore has become the clubs 4th summer signing, behind Scott Parker, Emre and Tim Krul.

The centre-back left German side Borussia Moenchengladbach near the end of last season, having previously played at the Australian Institute of Sport, Glasgow Rangers (where he partnered Toon CB Boumsong for a while) and Crystal Palace.

Moore has 30 caps for Australia, and two international goals to his name and made comments on his move yesterday to Newcastle World TV in an interview.

The defender expressed his delight at completing a move to St James' Park, saying: "I've watched the Premiership for many years and it's always been a place where I would like to play. I'm really delighted to be given this opportunity.

"I finished my time in Germany, my family didn't really settle there and we were always looking to try to get back to the UK.

"There was a bit of contact over the summer when I was playing in the Confederations Cup with my national team and it progressed from there."

Moore is 29 year old, and has "plenty of football left", adding: "I don't feel as if I'm an old player, I think 29 is a good age. It's an extremely tough league but one I'm really looking forward to playing in - I think there's plenty football left in me yet and I'm really looking forward to a great challenge.

"Nothing has been guaranteed. I still have to come in and work hard for my place as you would at any club. If I can help out some of the younger players here then that will hopefully be good for them and the club in general.

"You talk to any player now and the league they are all watching is the Premiership. It's very entertaining and end-to-end."

He played along side Jean-Alain Boumsong for a while last season, and on this, he commented: "It makes it a little bit easier knowing someone, and Boum is a fantastic player.

"I believe he's already had a massive impact down here and it will be nice to catch up with him again. So far, I haven't had a chance to speak to him yet."

And on the ultimate... silverware: "Every footballer wants to win trophies and I am no different.

"Newcastle United are striving to do that and I hope we can be successful."