Australian A-League
Socceroo David Carney has reunited with former Sydney FC assistant Ian Crook after agreeing a deal to join Norwich City on loan until the end of the English domestic season.
He becomes Crook and new manager Bryan Gunn's first signing since they took charge of the Carrow Road club last week.
Carney has been out of favour with Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell this season after taking his place as one of three over-age players at the Beijing Olympics.
Despite playing 26 times for the Blades last year following his switch from Sydney FC, the 25-year-old hasn’t made a single league appearance this term with his senior national team spot coming under pressure from the returning Scott Chipperfield.
And Australia boss Pim Verbeek's recent warning to any Socceroos regulars not enjoying first team football at club level is the clear motivation behind Carney's transfer window move.
"With the World Cup coming up in 2010 he wants to have the chance to show what he can do so he has an opportunity of a place in the Australian squad," Gunn told the official Norwich City website.
"He has a tremendous left foot and is a confident goalscorer who is technically gifted."
Carney made 34 A-League appearances, scoring seven goals, and helped Sydney claim the inaugural league championship in 2005/06.
He was primarily used as a left winger, but has won the majority of his 17 national team caps as a left-back including as a member of coach Graham Arnold's 2007 Asian Cup squad.
"Ian gave a very high recommendation of David and his capabilities and was happy to recommend him to us," said Gunn.
"I know there were other clubs interested in him - both in this country and in Europe - and I really hope he is able to use his abilities to help us in the battle we have ahead of us."
Norwich are in relegation trouble after dropping to 19th place in the English Championship, 14 places below Sheffield United, the club Carney is under contact with until the end of the 2009/10 campaign.
Carney is expected to take his place in the club's squad for Friday's trip to fellow strugglers Doncaster Rovers.
Former Melbourne Victory central defender Adrian Leijer, now at English Premier League side Fulham, is another Australian being linked with a move to Norwich.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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