SAM Allardyce believes Salva Ballesta can live up to his name and his reputation by getting the goals that will steer Wanderers clear of the Premiership drop zone.

The 27-year-old Spain international - his name translates as "Safe Crossbow" - has just 13 games to make an impact after finally agreeing a loan move from Valencia, which appeared to be an impossible dream a fortnight ago.

But the Reebok boss believes he has the talent to become an instant hit.

Ballesta is expected to go straight into the Wanderers' front line for Saturday's crucial relegation duel with Birmingham at the Reebok.

"It'sa tallorder but I'masking him to mak an

immediate impact," Allardyce said after sealing the deal for the player who was top of his wanted list but, seemingly, too expensive.

"I'm confident he can hit the ground running and do us a job.

"He's a proven striker and I'm looking forward to linking up with him. He's proved it in the Spanish league and we know he's good enough.

"He's got a fantastic eye for goal and, all being well, he's going to service us with the goals we need to get out of our current predicament."

Salva, who joined Valencia from Atletico Madrid in a £7.2m deal two years ago, has dropped down the pecking order behind the likes of John Carew, Miguel Angel Angulo and Juan Sanchez but was wanted by a number of clubs in Spain and France.