Mifsud completes switch to Coventry

Malta striker Michael Mifsud yesterday completed his switch to English club Coventry City after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal.

"Coventry City have signed Michael Mifsud on a free transfer from Lillestrom, subject to international clearance," a report on Coventry's official website said.

The 25-year-old Mifsud had been widely expected to join Coventry after sorting out personal terms with the first division club earlier this week.

Mifsud will wear the no.17 shirt at Coventry. His move to the Sky Blues is an important milestone in a distinguished career which started off with the Sliema Wanderers FC youth nursery.

A key player for the Malta national team, the nippy Mifsud had a spell with German club Kaiserslautern in the early years of his professional career.

In the summer of 2004, Mifsud joined Lillestrom after helping the Wanderers win a league and cup double during a five-month spell in 2003-2004.

Mifsud was Lillestrom's best league scorer with 11 goals last year but he opted to seek pastures new after his two-and-half-year contract with the Norwegian outfit expired last month.

Over the past few months, Mifsud's name has been repeatedly associated with a host of English clubs and Sheffield United, currently struggling at the bottom part of the Premier League, were widely viewed as favourites to land his signature.

The opening of the January transfer window brought fresh speculation about Mifsud's future but Coventry's attempt to secure their long-time target finally paid off.

Coventry, currently 16th in the league with 34 points from 27 matches, are awaiting international clearance for Mifsud who could make his Coventry debut as early as next Saturday when they entertain Crystal Palace at the Ricoh Arena.

"We're delighted that Michael has opted to join us," Micky Adams, the Coventry coach, said of the Maltese striker who left a good impression when playing for Lillestrom against Newcastle in the Intertoto Cup.

"There were other clubs interested in his signature and I believe as well as being a proven goalscorer, he will bring more depth to our squad.

"I look forward to working with him at the club."