Francomb’s Barnet loan extended

Norwich City defender George Francomb has extended his loan spell at League Two Barnet until the New Year.

The teenager's two-month stay at Underhill was due to end after this weekend's match against Oxford but Francomb will now be available up to and including the league game against Bradford on January 8.

Francomb has appeared ten times for Mark Stimson's side – the majority on the right of midfield.

'I'm very pleased that George is with us until into the New Year,' said Stimson. 'Norwich City have to be thanked for loaning George to us and I think he is gaining valuable experience of first-team football. He quickly found his feet in League Two football and has played well at full-back and on the right of midfield.

'I would say his performances have steadily improved during his time with us and my words to him will be 'more of the same please George and if you could get on the scoresheet that would be fine with me too'.'

Meanwhile, fresh transfer speculation has linked Norwich with a potential January move for Colchester defender Marc Tierney.

The 25-year-old had been touted with a summer reunion with former boss Paul Lambert before the Scot brought in compatriot Steven Smith to challenge Adam Drury for the left-back berth.

Tierney is out of contract at the end of the season and free to speak to interested clubs in the January transfer window.

Skysports have reported both the Canaries and Championship rivals Coventry are tracking the defender but United chairman Robbie Cowling denies Tierney has rejected a final contract offer.

'As far as we are concerned the situation is still the same,' he said. 'We haven't finished negotiating with Marc, the offer remains on the table and he hasn't said he doesn't want to renew his contract. There is still plenty of time.'

The former Oldham player has missed a large chunk of the season with a shoulder injury and is poised to miss at least another fortnight after undergoing a minor hernia operation.