Scottish Championship side Alloa Athletic have pulled off a coup with the shock signing of former English Premier League star Michael Chopra . The former Newcastle , Sunderland and Cardiff forward was most recently contracted to Indian side Kerala Blasters , and had been training with Port Vale . But managerless minnows Alloa – who play on a plastic pitch at 3100-capacity Indodrill Stadium – have announced they had signed the 31-year-old until the end of the season , subject to international clearance . Michael Chopra ( left ) poses with Alloa Athletic caretaker manager Paddy Connolly at Ibrox on Tuesday . The 31-year-old joined Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League in August but failed to score for them . Chopra takes to the pitch ahead of his side 's Scottish Championship match with Rangers . Chopra was named among the substitutes for Alloa 's game with Rangers on Tuesday night . Chopra poses with the shirt after signing with Alloa Athletic until end of the season . The well travelled forward has played for clubs including Blackpool ( above ) , Sunderland and Ipswich . Alloa , who are known as the Wasps , face Rangers on Tuesday night in the Championship and the club are hoping international clearance will be received in time for Chopra to make his debut at Ibrox . The Clackmannanshire club moved for Chopra after their head of recruitment , Lee Ebden , became aware of the striker 's availability after he left cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar 's football club in India . Caretaker boss Paddy Connolly , filling the dugout after boss Barry Smith quit , was thrilled with the capture and reckons Chopra 's experience could be vital for the Wasps in their fight for Championship survival . 'We are delighted to bring someone of Michael 's pedigree into the club , ' Connolly told the Alloa Advertiser . Chopra celebrates after scoring a goal for Cardiff in the Championship . The 31-year-old started his footballing career as a youngster on Newcastle 's books . 'When the chance came up from the chairman , I felt it was a no brainer because of the level he has played at in the game . 'He 's played in the Premiership down south for many years and then played abroad so he is a very experienced . I know the player through watching him over the years and he is still only 31 so I am sure he still has plenty to offer . 'He is still short of some match sharpness , but I am sure his arrival will be a lift for the players and the club as whole . '
Scottish Championship side rounded off a coup by signing mark Chopra . Former Newcastle , winger and Cardiff forward has joined liver Athletic until the end of the season . he was most recently playing for India 's Kerala Blasters before training with Port sharks .