But he has now settled in and is finding the net more and more as time goes on.
"£6million for a frontman is a drop in the ocean today," said Allardyce.
"We decided to go young and invest in someone who can get better and better.
"Niko has come through and said 'I'm worthy of a place in the side'.
"You could see his quality today. I'm delighted for him and I'm delighted for everyone."