SAM Allardyce believes new boy Stig Tofting, who goes straight into the squad for the clash with West Ham at the Reebok, can become a key man in the fight to beat the drop.

Wanderers have completed the formalities of the deal that brings the midfield hard man to the Reebok from Hamburg in a deal worth around £250,000.

And Allardyce says the 32-year-old Dane will add fight and bite to the Wanderers cause.

Tofting, who resolved what were described as "minor details" of his personal terms on Thursday afternoon, finalised his transfer on Friday after completing the medical formalities and could go straight into the side to face West Ham United, after Wanderers received international clearance.

He is match fit after playing regularly in the Bundesliga in which he impressed a watching Allardyce against Kaiserslautern on Wednesday night before flying back to England with the Bolton boss.

Allardyce believes he has signed a hungry player who will bring qualities the side is currently lacking.

"He has wanted to play in England for a long time and now he wants to prove himself in the Premiership and prove he should be in the Danish national side," said the Reebok boss.

"When you have a player who has to prove himself to his new club and to his national manager you have a very committed player."

He said: "We are very pleased to have him with us.

"He is a very experienced international player of good standing.

"He has played over 100 games in the Bundesliga and he will be a big part of our squad and of the Danish squad for the World Cup.

"Hopefully the small technicalities will be sorted out over the deal and he will pass a medical and be available for us tomorrow."

Tofting is described by Allardyce as a "pocket battleship" because of his physique and playing style and he adds there are not many players like him still around who can "put a bit of fear into the opposition".

Describing his role in the side, Allardyce added: "He is aggressive and committed and a motivational character and he can use the ball as well.

"He might be something we have been missing in midfield and give us a bit more cutting edge."

The manager, who confirmed he has other transfer targets in his sights, has spoken to Kaiserslautern's French World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff. But he is understood to be still some way from securing a deal.

Djorkaeff, who wants a move to the Premiership to boost his hopes of going to the World Cup Finals this summer, says: "Bolton are interested in me and I am interested in them. However, another club are trying to do business quickly."