City boss Nigel Worthington today added to his permanent midfield pool by completing the signing of Welsh international midfielder Carl Robinson from Sunderland for a sum in the region of £50,000 - with a little financial help from the directors.

City boss Nigel Worthington today added to his permanent midfield pool by completing the signing of Welsh international midfielder Carl Robinson from Sunderland for a sum in the region of £50,000 - with a little financial help from the directors.

Robinson, 29, has made seven senior appearances for the Canaries since joining on loan from the Premiership side in November and joins on a 2½-year deal.

It is the first time in his career that Robinson has moved for a transfer fee.

Although the player is currently sidelined with a rib injury, aggravated during the game against Preston two weeks ago, manager Worthington said he was pleased to add the experienced central midfielder to his squad on a permanent basis - just as he did after Dickson Etuhu's loan deal became permanent.

He said: “Carl has made a good impact since joining us on loan and I'm delighted to strengthen the squad by signing him up for the long-term.”

Robinson said he was also pleased to sign on the dotted line.

He said: “I have enjoyed my spell here so far, even though it's been cut slightly short through injury, and I'm delighted to be here now on a full-time basis.”

Chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “The cash to sign Robinson has been raised through loans to the club from directors Delia Smith, Michael Wynn Jones and Michael Foulger, for which we are very grateful. The loans cover the full cost of the player's wages this season and the transfer fee.”

Robinson has made more than 300 appearances since starting his career as a trainee at Wolves, moving on to Portsmouth and Sunderland with loan spells at six other clubs including City, his ninth club.