NORWICH KEEPER PLAYS DOWN HUCK SWAP RUMOURS

Last updated : 07 November 2003 By Ben Collins
The 23-year-old stopper, who has been the regular number one for the last two seasons, said the story that claimed Keegan was planning a swoop in January's transfer window was "just space filler".

Norwich have been impressed by Huckerby, who has bagged 3 goals in 9 games to help the Canaries to fifth spot - just 2 points off leaders Wigan - and the goals earned him Player of the Month for September.

But it is believed the Norfolk side will be unable to meet City's and Huckerby's demands to take him to Carrow Road permanently when his 3-month loan expires in December, and therefore a swap with Green could be on instead.

However, Huckerby's agent believes his client wouldn't move to Norwich anyway. He said: "I don't think any team in Division One could afford him. And unless Norwich are playing Premiership football then they won't be able to afford him.

"Darren is a player with Premiership aspirations and unless the club can guarantee him Premiership football then he's never going to stay - that dictates everything."

But Huckerby distanced himself from those comments. "I think it's an insult to say that Norwich aren't a big enough club to sign me," he countered. "No player is bigger than the club in my opinion.

"If everything did work out, I would be happy to sign with Norwich. Why wouldn't I consider signing for a club that's two points off the top of the table?

He added: "Every player wants to play where they are happiest and where they are appreciated and respected. I think the fans, the manager and the players here respect what I can do.