American giant joins Bluebirds – South Wales Echo
December 21, 2006
American giant joins Bluebirds
Dec 21 2006
Darren Witcoop, South Wales Echo
Cardiff City have handed a trial to 6ft 5in American goalkeeper Chris Konopka.
The 21-year-old has spent this week at Ninian Park in a bid to earn a contract with the Bluebirds.
‘Chris arrived earlier this week and will be with Cardiff for a short time,’ revealed his agent Patrick McCabe.
‘He is excited about this opportunity and we should know more as the week progresses.
‘Right now, we’re going to look at this opportunity.
‘After the trial is over, we’ll see how things are at that point.
‘But it seems Cardiff are very keen on him.’
The former Providence College stopper is currently obtaining dual nationality between USA and Poland so would not require a work permit to play in the UK.
Konopka featured in City’s reserve team friendly match at Hereford United, playing in the second-half.
It’s believed that Konopka will also join Midlands duo Aston Villa and Coventry City on trial in the early part of next year.
But the Bluebirds may look to step in first to try and tie down the highly-rated giant ‘keeper.
Although they will add Derry City’s David Forde to their squad in the early part of next year, current first choice Neil Alexander is yet to agree a new deal with Cardiff.
The Scottish international is out of contract at the end of the season and talks have stalled after Alexander rejected the new deal offered him earlier this month.
South Wales Echo
Dec. 21, 2006