Penny for Coyle's Thoughts!

The Clarets signed Peruvian international goalkeeper Diego Penny yesterday for an undisclosed fee but will now have to wait for the outcome of a work permit appeal at a hearing this Friday before the deal can be finalised.

Penny,24 and born in Lima has made over 150 appearances for Coronel Bolognesi in the Peru Primera Division and has also been captain of the side. The club were also winners of the Clausara league in 2007. The 6ft 5 stopper has also recently been involved in Peru's attempt to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

'I've been trying since December to sign him,' Coyle told BBC Radio Lancashire.

'His appeal hearing is on Friday and we hope to be successful in that.'

'We felt that Diego had fulfilled the criteria set out by the Home Office. But there's been a debate after his coach rested him with a minor injury.

'I went over and watched him personally and he looks to be a tremendous addition. He's had big offers from other clubs, so we were fortunate to get in.

Owen Coyle also confirmed the rumour that he met Penny in Spain to negotiate a deal with him.

'I had to cancel my week in Hong Kong to meet him in Madrid for a meeting with representatives from his club, and if we get him in that sacrifice will be worthwhile.'

So if the work permit is obtained will Penny enjoy the Number One jersey with both Jensen and Kiraly still on the books? Coyle was not giving much away on that one:

'You come in with a level playing field. The bottom line is if you get that jersey it's up to you to make sure you maintain it.

'There'll be real competition for places. We want real competition and strength in depth and we're doing our utmost to make sure that happens.'

Well if I was a betting man, I suspect Penny will be Number One with Jensen keeping his treasured (?) Number 12 jersey.

Poor Kiraly may have to settle for Number 13, he certainly seems to be the unlucky loser in all this and it is widely known he is effectively on the transfer list with Coyle amenable to listening to offers.




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