New signing Naismith raring to go at Norwich

Dave Bowers

Steven Naismith has praised Norwich City’s ‘class’ after completing a long-awaited move from Everton on Tuesday.

The Scotland international, who scored 18 times for Everton since moving from Rangers in 2012, has penned a three-and-a-half year deal at Carrow Road and could make his debut against Liverpool this weekend.

Having had a bid rejected by Everton last summer, the Canaries have had to bide their time in their pursuit of Naismith – and the forward says his new club have conducted their transfer business impeccably.

“I’m very happy to have signed because now I can concentrate on the football side of things,” the 29-year-old told Canaries.co.uk.

“Norwich have displayed class in the way they’ve done their business all the way through. They’ve shown how much they wanted me, which is great, and I’m delighted to be here.”

The former Kilmarnock forward had been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this month, but manager Alex Neil’s project at Norwich was enough to persuade Naismith to sign.

“Since the manager came in, he’s shown a desire to build something here and that’s something I definitely believe in and want to be part of,” he added after joining for an undisclosed fee.

“I’m expecting to go straight into the training. The manager will obviously have his thoughts for the game and hopefully I’m involved in some respect.

“I’ve played a couple of times here and it’s always a great atmosphere with a full crowd, and I look forward to being on the right side of the fans.

“I want to settle in quickly, get involved and play my part in games. I want to contribute to a team effort to move this club forward.”