Carl Robinson still looks set to become a Norwich City player this month, despite being sidelined by a painful injury. The Wales international midfielder suffered a rib injury and played only the first half of City's 3-0 home defeat by Preston on January 2.

Carl Robinson still looks set to become a Norwich City player this month, despite being sidelined by a painful injury.

The Wales international midfielder suffered a rib injury and played only the first half of City's 3-0 home defeat by Preston on January 2.

He will not be fit to play again this month, but should still complete a permanent switch to Carrow Road during the transfer window, according to Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy.

The Canaries have not confirmed whether Robinson's move will become permanent, but McCarthy said yesterday: “I've spoken to Robbo and he is feeling a bit better. He's done really well for Norwich, as he did for us in the Championship, and I think his move there will go through.

“He would like to move there and it would suit us all if that happens. Norwich want to sign him and I think that will go through.”

Robinson won a Championship title medal with Sunderland last season, missing only one league game, but fell out of favour this term and went to Carrow Road on loan in November.