Prica edges towards exit

Feb 16 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

HE was the first major chink in Roy Keane’s previously impenetrable armour and Rade Prica’s disastrous spell at Sunderland could finally be coming to an end following a welcome enquiry from Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.

Prica signed for Sunderland just over a year ago as Keane looked to bolster his attacking options during last season’s January transfer window, but his signing was a major blow to the former Sunderland manager’s burgeoning managerial reputation.

Despite scoring on his debut as a substitute against Birmingham City it quickly became clear Keane had spent £2m on a player who he then realised was not good enough for the Premier League. Prica has made just six appearances in 13 months on Wearside, the last of which came against Chelsea during a 1-0 home defeat last March.

In his defence, the Swedish international was never really given a chance under Keane, who did not give him a single start for the Black Cats before quitting back in November, and question marks were raised as to why he had been signed in the first place.