Norwich City defender Jim Brennan has left the Club to join Championship rivals Southampton.The Canadian international, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, leaves on a free transfer to join George Burley's side.

Norwich City defender Jim Brennan has left the Club to join Championship rivals Southampton.

The Canadian international, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, leaves on a free transfer to join George Burley's side.

He signs until the end of the season and goes straight into the squad for the Saints match at Leicester City on Saturday.

Brennan joined the Canaries on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2003 and made 30 appearances (plus 18 as sub) scoring two goals.

City boss Nigel Worthington told www.canaries.co.uk: "Jim hasn't been having as many opportunities to play first team football here as he would like and this move to Southampton represents a tremendous opportunity for him to play more games and further his career.

"I would like to thank him for everything he has done in his two-and-a-half years at Norwich City and wish him every success in his future career."

Brennan passed his medical with the Saints on Friday morning and immediately took part in his first training session with them.