Soccer: James out to make his mark at Man City

DAVID JAMES is looking forward to returning to the Premiership this weekend after completing his move to Manchester City.

The England goalkeeper yesterday signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the City of Manchester Stadium after leaving First Division West Ham.

City made their move for the 33-year-old on Tuesday following the retirement of veteran David Seaman.

James is now expected to make his City debut in Saturday’s crucial encounter with Blackburn.

“It’s a fantastic move for me. I’m back in the Premiership, but it was tough for me to leave West Ham, I had a lot of friends there,” James told the club’s official website, www.mcfc.co.uk.

Blackburn have revived their interest in taking USA striker Brian McBride on loan until the end of the season.

Rovers had ruled out a move after Major League Soccer, who hold McBride’s contract, had demanded a fee but now the Americans have indicated a loan may be possible.

Dino Baggio may agree to return on loan to Italy after initially turning down a move to Ancona.

The Italian midfielder has agreed to think again about a move to the Serie A side who already signed Corrado Grabbi from Rovers this season.

There has been good and bad news for Graeme Souness this week. Alan Mahon and Steven Reid could be fit for Saturday’s match at Manchester City but Paul Gallagher (back) and Lucas Neill (groin) are doubtful.

Meanwhile Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren is ready to return to training after several groin injuries.

Valgaeren told celticfc.net: “I am close to full fitness and I hope I’ll join in training tomorrow with the first team.”