Former Red Devil signs for the Rams

Former Red Devil signs for the Rams

The on again, off again transfer saga of experienced goalkeeper Roy Carroll has been resolved with the 30-year-old Northern Ireland international signing with the Rams until the end of the season. The deal was close to completion two weeks ago but stalled because Rangers, wanted to bring in a replacement before they would let Carroll leave

Rams boss Paul Jewell was left frustrated last week and was ready to ditch his bid to land the player, but it is understood the move has now been revived. Jewell said: “I`m delighted with the signing and I`m sure he`ll be worth waiting for.”

Carroll is out of the first-team picture at Rangers, and it`s been reported he was that keen on moving to Pride Park he was prepared to dip into his own pocket and come with the loan fee for Rangers target Darren Ward from Sunderland.

The former Manchester United, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic keeper has appeared only once this season and is keen to join the Rams.

Rangers boss Walter Smith will not stand in his way. Smith said: “Roy has an opportunity to go back to England again with Derby County and we are happy for him to do that.

“The only hold up is that we have not been able to get another goalkeeper to take his place. As soon as I get one, Roy can leave.”

Welsh international Lewis Price has kept goal in Derby’s last seven games since Stephen Bywater suffered a shoulder injury at Newcastle, and after a nervous start he has performed well and was the hero in the Rams FA Cup win on Tuesday.

‘It’s nice to have a run of games,’ Price said. ‘It’s all I could have asked for and I’m learning with each game.

‘But I’m enjoying playing at the minute and, hopefully, this win will pick us up and set us up for a few more.’

On the shoot out the Welshman was pleased more with the team effort. “It was a nice feeling but it was more important for us to get the win,” commented Price.

‘I just guessed which way they were going to go and dived that way. It was a team effort, though. The lads battled hard to get it to penalties in the first place.

‘Luckily, I ended up doing my bit by saving a couple and we got the win. The lads worked hard so it was nice to finally have something to cheer about. It wasn’t a top performance but we’ll take any win we can get at the minute.’