Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper says the club has benefited from Sam Allardyce's transfer market know-how.

He told The Journal: "A few people have come in during the summer who weren't perhaps household names, but they have already proven they are excellent acquisitions. You have to credit the manager and his staff for doing that. He has a wonderful knowledge of world football and he has put it to good use.

"I think we have strengthened in the right areas and the squad has a lot of depth to it. I think there are two people competing for every position and we haven't had that recently.

"I was surprised by some of the signings because, as I say, some of the lads weren't household names in this country, but I've been really impressed with them.

"If you look at someone like (Claudio) Cacapa, he is 31 now and has slotted in and shown what a classy and experienced player he is straight away. But it isn't just him, all the new signings have settled in straight away and you can see the ability they have got. We've got a strong squad and that bodes well for the rest of the season."