AFTER impressing boss Bryan Gunn during the Canaries' pre-season preparations, City can confirm that former Canary Paul McVeigh has signed a one-year contract with the Club.

Having put pen to paper on his contract, McVeigh told canaries.co.uk: "I'm absolutely delighted, I never expected to get a contract when I came back, it was purely to be training and keeping my fitness up. I'm delighted the manager has offered me a contract now."

McVeigh certainly hopes to help the Club back to happier times next season: "I think the Club is completely set-up to be in the Championship if not the Premier League. With the stadium, training ground and fans, if the manager can get things in place on the pitch, hopefully we can get the job done."

The former Northern Ireland international forward began his career with Tottenham Hotspur before initially moving to Carrow Road in March 2000. His debut came away to Bolton Wanderers on the final day of the 1999-2000 season but he really rose to the fore during the 2001-02 campaign when he played a major part in the Club's surge to the Nationwide First Division Play-off Final.

McVeigh made a total of 236 appearances for City between May 2000 and February 2007. He also scored 40 goals in his seven years at Carrow Road and collected a First Division Championship winners medal in 2003-04.

He did join Burnley on loan at the end of the 2006-07 campaign before being released by then City boss Peter Grant. McVeigh spent the last two seasons with Luton Town and was released from Kenilworth Road at the end of the 2008-09 campaign along with Sam Parkin, Dean Morgan, Sol Davis and Dean Brill.

McVeigh was a surprise face at the Club's Colney training centre when the City squad reported back for pre-season training earlier this month. However, the 31-year-old has made a big impression on everyone at the Club and has chipped in with two goals and a string of impressive performances as City prepare for next season in League One.

Having handed McVeigh a one-year deal and a place in his squad for next season, Gunn told First News: "I'm pleased to have Paul on board for next season. He has impressed everyone at the Club in pre-season whether it be in fitness tests, training or in matches.

"I was open minded about him coming back to train with us in the summer but he has really made a great impression. Not just on those that knew him before but also on Ian Butterworth and Ian Crook who had not previously worked with him.

"His attitude and commitment are first class he is very keen to succeed with Norwich City next season."