Rock-bottom West Ham United have completed the loan signing of Robbie Keane from Tottenham.
The 30-year-old had fallen out of favour at White Hart Lane this season and had been told he was free to leave the club, but only if the deal was a permanent one.
However, Spurs have now decided to let Keane make the temporary move to Upton Park for the remainder of the season with a view to making the deal permanent, although that is likely to hinge on whether or not the Hammers avoid relegation.
The Republic of Ireland international said: “Obviously it's been frustrating for me - like it would for any player. You just want to be playing.
“I don't like to be paid to sit on the bench. I like to play and hopefully I will get plenty of opportunities here to help this club move forward.
“The move feels right - it's a fantastic club with a great tradition.
“At the moment we're not in the best position that we would like to be but I'm here to help the squad. I'm sure with the players we've got here we can get into that position.
“We can stay in the Premier League. Look how close it is - there are six or seven teams down there. If you get a couple of results you move fairly swiftly up that table.”