Striker David Mooney's loan to Norwich City is set to be extended next week even though the deal was not completed by yesterday's final deadline of the season.

Striker David Mooney's loan to Norwich City is set to be extended next week even though the deal was not completed by yesterday's final deadline of the season.

The 24-year-old Irishman has scored twice in four outings for the Canaries since his arrival from Reading and his initial loan spell has just one match to run - the home game against Sheffield Wednesday a week tomorrow.

But his stay looks certain to be extended to the end of the season. The deal can be finalised after the deadline because the striker is already at Carrow Road.

“We have spoken to Reading about David and we have got a positive response from them - we need to just tidy that paperwork up next week, but the fact that he is already here means we can put that paperwork in and it will see him through, although he's not able to play against Reading,” said manager Bryan Gunn.

With no arrivals or departures yesterday, Gunn is content to see the season out with his existing squad.

He said: “I'm happy - we have got a good togetherness here as well now. It is important that the lads who have been patient and waiting for their chance will get that opportunity to prove they are the right people for the team.

“I'm happy with the new faces that have come into the side and freshened things up and there is certainly good competition for places now.”

There was hope of a loan deal for City midfielder Robert Eagle, who has been having trials with Stevenage, but he failed to persuade the Conference side's manager, Graham Westley, to take him on until the end of the season.

Eagle, 22, has made 12 senior appearances for City and although he didn't feature under Gunn's predecessor, Glenn Roeder, he was awarded a new 12-month contract last summer.

“We are trying to help him get football,” said Gunn. “It has obviously been frustrating for him because of the fact that there has been no reserve football. He has been one of those players who has suffered a negative effect.

“There have only been infrequent reserve matches organised at Carrow Road and at Colney so he is certainly one who has missed out on regular football, but certainly we will help him try and get some games before now and the end of the season.

“His contract is up in the summer and that will be reviewed. We will discuss the contract situations after the deadline window - probably the week after next.”