Rossi signs up

RICK WAGHORN Norwich City today made their second transfer window signing in the space of 24, busy hours when Academy youngster Rossi Jarvis signed his first professional contract.

RICK WAGHORN

Norwich City today made their second transfer window signing in the space of 24, busy hours when Academy youngster Rossi Jarvis signed his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old's future had suddenly been shrouded in doubt when a Sunday newspaper linked the Fakenham teenager to moves to Premiership Charlton and Portsmouth.

All such talk was firmly put to bed today as Ryan Jarvis' younger brother put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal and became the latest product of the club's Academy system to make it to the fully-fledged professional ranks.

“This means a lot to me,” said Rossi, the son of former Fakenham Town player Neil Jarvis.

“I've been at the club since I was eight years old, so I'm delighted to sign with Norwich City,” added Jarvis.

“I'm happy to get it out of the way so I can concentrate on my football and develop as a player and hopefully help Norwich push for promotion back to the Premiership.”

City boss Nigel Worthington was equally delighted to put another decent piece of business to bed and ensure that Rossi can now turn all his thoughts on establishing himself firmly in his first team plans.

“The hard work starts now,” said Worthington, after handing Rossi his first team debut in the Carling Cup third round trip to Birmingham City.

“For it's just nice to get it all tied up and the lad can now concentrate on establishing himself in the first team group and from there, look to push on for a place in the team. He's worked hard and now he's got his reward.”

Given City's current chronic injury woes with the likes of elder brother Ryan, Leon McKenzie, Adam Drury, Jurgen Colin, Matthieu Louis-Jean and Carl Robinson all struggling to be available for this weekend's FA Cup clash with West Ham United, Rossi's hopes of a first-ever first team start could yet come close to fruition - particularly given the youngster's versatility.

His latest appearance from the bench came at right-back as Colin was stretchered off in the 1-0 win at Leicester City.

“Rossi can play at right-back, can do you an emergency job at left-back and, of course, is comfortable in midfield,” said Worthington, keen for everyone not to expect too much too soon.

“It's just a case of giving him time to mature and get to grips with the game strength-wise,” said the City chief.