Rae of hope

DAVID CUFFLEY

Scotland international Gavin Rae has revealed that he would be “absolutely delighted” to sign for Norwich City.

And assistant manager Jim Duffy today admitted that the 29-year-old midfielder, just released by Glasgow Rangers, was a possible target for the Canaries.

Hearts have shown an interest in Rae, but a move to English football appears to be his preference, with both Norwich and Cardiff City linked with the player.

Duffy, his former boss at Dundee, confirmed: “He is one of a number of players we are looking at. Gavin is a player I do know, he has been at Glasgow Rangers, he's an international player and he is a player we have discussed but there is nothing imminent.

“I suppose the clichéd answer from the player is that he is looking at his options and the clichéd answer from the club is that he is one of a number of possibilities, but that is true.

“We have spoken to his agent briefly just to see what the situation is. He has been on holiday and perhaps later this week we would like to have a further chat.”

Rae, who has been capped seven times by his country, has made no secret of the fact that linking up with Duffy again would appeal to him. The former Dundee boss helped Rae develop at Dens Park before he earned a move to Rangers in 2004.

“I'd definitely welcome the chance to play for Jim Duffy again,” said Rae at the weekend.

“Norwich are a very big club with aspirations to play at the highest level and it wasn't that long ago they were competing in the Premiership.

“I'm fit again and I've been letting my agent, Blair Morgan, deal with the inquiries. I'd be absolutely delighted if either Norwich or Cardiff were to come off.

“The English scene is very strong at the moment so we'll just need to wait and see what happens.

“I'm a free agent and have to weigh up all my options to make the right move.”

Rae was released by Rangers last week after manager Walter Smith deemed him surplus to requirements at Ibrox.