Brennan: Easy decision to go

Jim Brennan became the second player to leave Norwich City during the January transfer window yesterday when he joined Championship rivals Southampton on a free transfer - and hailed the decision as one of the easiest of his career.

The 28-year-old Canadian international followed Dean Ashton through the exit door as he agreed a short-term contract with the Saints - and was hoping for an immediate chance to impress in today's FA Cup fourth round tie at Leicester.

Brennan was also included in City's squad for the third round encounter against West Ham earlier this month, but he remained an unused substitute and, as such, was available to make his debut for his new club at the Walkers Stadium.

Brennan said: “It was a pretty quick decision for me, to be honest.

“The first I heard of Southampton's interest was yesterday but everything sounded pretty good and although there was some interest from a couple of other clubs, after I spoke to the manager, George Burley, I was convinced. For me Saints are a Premiership club and that was a big part of my decision. I want to be at a big club that has got ambition and I felt that Southampton was the place that could offer me that.”

After a free transfer switch from Nottingham Forest during the summer of 2003, Brennan made 48 senior appearances for the Canaries, scoring twice, and will now be doing his utmost to earn an extended deal with Burley's struggling side, having joined until the end of the current campaign.

Explaining the move, manager Nigel Worthington said: “Jim hasn't been having as many opportunities to play first-team football here as he would like.

“He was getting frustrated and this move to Southampton represents a tremendous opportunity for him to play more games and further his career. Jim picked up a injury soon after he joined us and that didn't help, but I think it's fair to say we would have liked a bit more from him.”