Norwich City manager Peter Grant will have to shelve plans to sign Celtic striker Derek Riordan according to the player's agent. Riordan had been identified by Peter Grant as his number one transfer target in January after a lack of first team action at Parkhead meant the player was reportedly looking for a move.

Norwich City manager Peter Grant will have to shelve plans to sign Celtic striker Derek Riordan according to the player's agent.

Riordan had been identified by Peter Grant as his number one transfer target in January after a lack of first team action at Parkhead meant the player was reportedly looking for a move.

But after scoring in Celtic's 1-1 draw with Motherwell and then starting against Kilmarnock, the 23-year-old now looks certain to stay with the Glasgow giants.

“A move now looks unlikely,” said Riordan's agent, Jim McArthur. “He's now in the team and the situation has changed quite a lot in the last few days.”

Some commentators believe Hoops boss Gordon Strachan has begun starting Riordan in recent matches to try and fend off interest from other clubs like the Canaries.

But the fiery Scot was adamant that this is not the case. “That wasn't in my thinking,” said the fiery Scot. “I'm not that cynical or devious. You might think it but I'm definitely not.”

Riordan would have been seen by some as an ideal replacement for Robert Earnshaw, who is attracting a number of admiring glances from Premiership sides - with Watford the latest club to be linked with the Welsh international.

Although Grant is adamant he does not want to lose his 17-goal hitman, a bid of more than £5million could prove difficult for the club to turn down.

But should the unthinkable happen and Earnshaw seek Premiership pastures new - it will not be Riordan filling his goalscoring boots.

Strachan has been impressed with the attitude of Riordan since his move from Easter Road in the summer despite starting only twice for the Scottish champions. “His attitude through all of this has been first class. I can't ask any more than he's given in training.”

Despite having more than 50 SPL goals to his name, Strachan does not see the Scotland international as a natural striker. “He can play in different positions but I don't think he's comfortable up front. I think we have other people that can play there.”

Grant could now have to scour the lower leagues to get the four players in he wants in January as the City boss has admitted his squad does need a fresh impetus of talent.