NEWCASTLE manager Kenny Dalglish admits selling Peter Beardsley to Bolton is a gamble with the crucial European Cup clash with Croatia Zagreb looming large.

Beardsley's delayed £450,000 transfer went through last night when the formalities, including a medical, were completed.

The 36-year-old former England striker might have been a Wanderer last month but for the ankle injury which sidelined Alan Shearer and the sale of Les Ferdinand to Tottenham.

Now that he has recruited John Barnes and Ian Rush, Dalglish feels able to let Beardsley take on a fresh challenge with Colin Todd's Premiership newcomers.

But Dalglish accepts that he is taking a risk ahead of a vital European tie on Wednesday week with Newcastle trying to convert a 2-1 home leg win into a passport into the money-spinning Champions' League.

"We're taking a risk allowing him to leave before our second leg tie in Zagreb but I felt we had to be fair to the player himself," said Dalglish. "Bolton were prepared to give him another opportunity to play regularly in the Premiership. We couldn't stand in his way, and he's accepted their offer.

"It was unfortunate that the deal was held up originally because of injury problems we had.

"But the transfer will mean Peter has only missed the one game for them and now he'll be able to train and prepare for his time with Bolton."

"We wish him well and thank him for his services to the club and look forward to his testimonial at the end of the season. He'll certainly be welcomed back then and at any time in the future."

Beardsley, who won the last of his 59 England caps as substitute in the friendly in China in May last year, is poised to begin another chapter in an already glittering career stretching over 18 years. He links up with two more former Magpies in Alan Thompson and Robbie Elliott.

Todd is delighted to have finally landed his man and has pencilled Beardsley in for a debut at Coventry on Saturday.

He paid tribute to the former England man for not becoming frustrated when Newcastle blocked his move.

"Peter was very disappointed but he was still under contract and had to do what was right for the club," he explained.

"He sat tight and the door opened again with the acquisition of John Barnes and Ian Rush, and Newcastle got back in touch with me."

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