Norwich caretaker boss Jim Duffy has drafted in West Brom loan recruit John Hartson to beef up his shot shy attack.

Norwich caretaker boss Jim Duffy yesterday drafted in West Brom loan recruit John Hartson to beef up his shot shy attack.

The bustling Welsh forward agreed an initial one month deal which City can extend until December 31 - but Hartson is not eligible to play in the clubs' scheduled league meeting at the Hawthorns on October 27.

The 32-year-old is poised to train with his new team mates on Monday ahead of the club's Championship home game against Bristol City after the international break.

Hartson rejected a loan move to Coca Cola League One Notts Forest in September after being linked with a switch to hometown club Swansea.

Leeds were also tracking the former Welsh international. United boss Dennis Wise is desperate to bolster his frontline after former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo was ruled out for two months after undergoing surgery on a long standing foot injury.

“I am delighted to sign a player with John's experience,” said Duffy. “The situation we are in demands players who know how to operate in the positions they play. John fits the bill, is a strong character and has a proven track record at the very highest level.”

Hartson's imminent arrival eases Duffy's chronic lack of striking options with injured duo Jamie Cureton (ankle) poised to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Dion Dublin currently nursing a back problem.

Duffy has identified the former Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic striker as the man to break the Canaries' six game goal drought.

City have failed to score since David Strihavka's match winner against Crystal Palace a month ago with the club's latest shut out at QPR triggering Peter Grant's departure.

Hartson had slipped well down the Baggies pecking order under Tony Mowbray behind first choice strike pairing Kevin Phillips and on loan Man City starlet Ishmael Miller.

The ex-Welsh international's last first team appearance was eight months ago when he came off the bench in a 1-0 Championship win over Cardiff.

Hartson clocked up 50 caps in a ten year international career. The ex-Luton trainee earned multi million pound moves to Arsenal, West Ham and Wimbledon before winning six trophies in a successful spell at Celtic under Martin O'Neill.

The big targetman was a Champions League regular for the Hoops in his six year stay and featured in Celtic's 2003 UEFA Cup final defeat to Porto.