NEW City signing Juan Velasco has revealed how his move to the Canaries was given the seal of approval by Ipswich striker Pablo Counago.

Velasco played in the same Celta Vigo side as the Town forward earlier in the decade before the two went their separate ways.

Counago came to Suffolk for his first spell with Ipswich following their promotion to the Premiership in 2001, with Velasco leaving in 2004 for Spanish giants Athletico Madrid.

But the two have remained in touch and - speaking exclusively to CanariesWorld via an interpreter - Velasco said Counago had persuaded him Norwich would be a good club to sample his first taste of English football.

"I spoke to Pablo before I came," said the 30-year-old, who signed a three-month deal on Monday. "Pablo recommended Norwich to me. He said it was a top club and a nice city."

Counago is not the only Spaniard currently plying his trade in the UK who Velasco is familiar with. Liverpool superstar Fernando Tores is also a friend, with the two playing in the same Madrid side.

Velasco signed for the Canaries on a Bosman-style transfer after his contract with Espanyol expired in the summer and said it had been an ambition to move to England - for both professional and personal reasons.

"After finishing last season my intention was to leave Spain and play football elsewhere," he said. "I was attracted to the English game because it's a high standard of football. It's a nice game, a passionate game - the atmosphere of the fans in the stadium, all of that. Also, the language. Not only for me but for my family too. It's important for my children that they learn English."

Velasco admitted his knowledge of Norwich City had been limited before he heard of their interest, but quickly did his research on his new employers.

"I don't know too much, but when I was told by my agent I went on the internet and found out about the Club, the city and the people," he said, adding that he was hungry to play as soon as possible.

"I can't wait to play in front of the fans. I want to make my debut as soon as possible. I haven't played for six or seven months so I can't wait to get back into it. I want to help the team rise up the table and I'm excited about learning the English game and adding my experience to the team."

Whether City's Championship match with Barnsley on Saturday comes too soon for Velasco remains to be seen, but the new arrival piles yet more pressure on current right-back Jon Otsemobor.

With Middlesbrough's Matthew Bates returning to his parent club after injuring knee ligaments during an ill-fated loan spell at Carrow Road, Otsemobor had little other competition for his place in the first team. Velasco's arrival changes all that, and the player believed he had what it took to be a success.

"I have a lot of experience playing for big clubs in La Liga and in the UEFA Cup. I hope my experience as a good technical player can help City rise up the table to the play-offs.

"I haven't worked much with Glenn (Roeder), but I have been very impressed with training and the facilities here. I haven't spoken much with the manager, maybe a little bit of English, but not much else."