Marshall rejects Strachan plea

Norwich signing David Marshall turned down a plea from Celtic manager Gordon Strachan to stay at Parkhead because he was disillusioned with life on the bench.

Marshall was displaced in the Hoops team by Poland keeper Artur Boruc almost two years ago and today completed a move to Carrow Road for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old was determined to leave Parkhead even before joining the Coca-Cola Championship side on loan in January.

Marshall, who has signed a three-year contract, said: “When I went to come on loan in the first place I obviously wanted games.

“I didn’t want to go back after six months of playing and sit on the bench at Celtic. Even before I came I had made my mind up I wanted to play.

“I had a good feeling of coming here, I’m glad to eventually come down here.

“It’s dragged on but I’m gad to be here in time for pre-season.”

Norwich boss Peter Grant initially had a tough task persuading Strachan to allow Marshall to join the Canaries on loan and the Celtic manager tried to convince Marshall to stay this summer.

“Gordon wasn’t too keen to let him go but we pursued it and I think Gordon got sick fed up of listening to me going on and on and eventually agreed,” former Bhoys midfielder Grant said.

“Celtic offered him a new contract. Gordon spoke to him and said ’why don’t you wait, you could get your chance next month’.

“But he was adamant he wanted to come here and have a go at becoming number one. I know myself, it’s not easy to leave Celtic. I was obviously at a different stage of my career.

“It would be easy for David to sit there as a number two and wait for his chance but he wanted to come here.

“We all know what he did playing against Barcelona in the Nou Camp. He has big-time experience, he can play under pressure. He is capable of legendary status for his quality, there is no doubt in my mind.”

Marshall has two Scotland caps but is looking to secure his place in the City team before looking to his international career.

“You obviously want to play for you country, it’s the biggest thing you can do,” Marshall said.

“But it’s so far out my mind at the moment with the way Craig Gordon is playing, he is playing great. So even if I do play here every week it would probably be hard to start anyway. The first thing I need to do is play games for Norwich.”