Rams sign Rangers goalkeeper Carroll

Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll has signed for Derby initially until the end of the season.

The former Manchester United and West Ham keeper had been a target for Rams boss Paul Jewell for some weeks and moves to Pride Park after playing just one game for the Scottish league leaders this season.

The 30-year-old becomes Jewell’s seventh signing during this month’s transfer window as the manager attempts to rebuild a side 13 points from safety at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

Jewell admitted he was relieved to have successfully concluded his pursuit of the Northern Ireland international.

He told the club’s official website, www.dcfc.co.uk: “I’m delighted we have finally got Roy signed up – it’s taken longer than I would have liked but I’m sure he will be worth waiting for.

“Roy is a terrific keeper – he’s played at the very highest level and I’ve worked with him briefly before so I know what he’s all about.”

2 SOCCER Derby

Jewell continued: ``The most impressive thing about Roy is the passion and desire he has shown in just wanting to play.

“He’s done a lot himself to make his move happen and I think that’s commendable.”

As Carroll’s contract with Rangers has been cancelled his transfer will not involve any fee.

Carroll began his career at Hull before moving to Wigan in 1997 where he made 170 appearances in four years and spent six weeks working under Jewell.

He was then snapped up by Manchester United for £2.5million and during his four years at Old Trafford won the 2003 Premier League and 2004 FA Cup.

Carroll moved on to West Ham in 2005 and he made 35 appearances before joining Rangers last summer on a one-year deal.

However, he made just one appearance for the Ibrox club in the Scottish League Cup.

Carroll has 19 caps for Northern Ireland.