Canaries release McGovern by mutual consent

The 22-year-old Irishman joined The Canaries in 2000 from Premiership champions Arsenal.

He was well down the pecking order at Highbury before joining the Norfolk club and ironically, it was for that reason that he has now moved on from Nigel Worthington's side.

In just over two seasons with Norwich, McGovern made only 11 appearances with the club but he will be remembered for having saved Norwich's Division One status with a winning goal at Tranmere in April 2001.

On the release of McGovern, Worthington told the Norwich City official website: "Brian has found it hard to break into the team and this gives him the chance to get on with his life and his career elsewhere, where there may be more first team opportunities.

"It's unfortunate but it's the best thing for all parties as Brian can move on and it gives me just a little more breathing space in terms of my playing budget.

"He's a good lad and everyone at Colney and Carrow Road wishes him all the very best for the future."

McGovern added the fine form of Canaries defenders Malky Mackay and Craig Fleming had been a factor in his decision to be released from his contract.

McGovern said: "It's been really difficult to get into the team with the form of people like Malky and Craig - the whole team really.

"I'm disappointed that I couldn't have stayed until the end of the season and gone up to The Premiership with the rest of the lads, but that's the way it goes in football.

"I'm hoping to find myself another club where I can play regular first team football."