Lupoli arrives with glowing reference from the Emirates as No 7 gets set to join him

Weds 23 Jul 08

City boss Glenn Roeder has admitted that new loan signing Arturo Lupoli is of the right stock as the Canary squad rapidly takes shape ahead of that Championship opener in just over two weeks' time.

With Lupoli joining Elliot Omozusi and Dejan Stefanovic in signing on the dotted line in recent days, there is a sudden optimism amongst the supporters that Roeder has added some genuine quality to the party.

To attract someone of Lupoli's ilk is no mean feat and the Canary chief also admitted he was on the verge of his seventh summer addition after last night's convincing 3-0 win over Falkenbergs FF.

But it's Fiorentina man Lupoli that has really made City fans sit up and take notice – along with the rest of the Championship as well probably.

"I'm very pleased," said Roeder. "He did very well as a youngster at Arsenal. The standards are so high there though and he moved on to Derby under Billy Davies.

"I've done my homework on him and spoken to a few people at Arsenal that I trust and they said at Championship level, like he proved at Derby, if you give him chances, he'll take them.

"Character is important to me and I'm told that he's an excellent lad around the changing room. That's important because we have great team spirit around the dressing room.

"We need to make sure we don't bring anyone in who spoils that. Arturo should add to that team spirit."

So what exactly are City getting from a man who was so highly-rated at Arsenal as a youngster?

"He's an extremely hard working player who works off the shoulder, now we need to find a bigger, more physical striker for him and for Cureton to play with. I think Cureton is at his best when he's got a bigger striker alongside him, the same as Arturo."

With six already through the door and number seven seemingly imminent, Roeder's summer surgery is well under way.

And the Canary chief has declared himself delighted with his work so far. It's by no means finished yet, but it's definitely a case of so far, so good.

Early additions Sammy Clingan and Wes Hoolahan seem to be settling well and both have shone on the two-game tour of Sweden. Former Forest man Clingan has slotted into the injured Jason Shackell's position as if he's played there his whole life.   Part 2 >>