Former United striker relishing US move

Former Dundee United striker Johnny Russell insists he has realised a career ambition by sealing a move to Major League Soccer.

The 27-year-old has penned a threeyear contract with Sporting Kansas City after a £250,000 transfer from Derby County was agreed.

The switch raised a few eyebrows given Russell had been offered a new deal by County, who are just one point outside the automatic promotion places in the Skybet Championship.

However, after five years at Pride Park, Russell is adamant it is the right time to turn his back on a crack at the English Premier League and make his American dream come true.

“I’m just looking forward to something different.

“It’s a different type of football,” said Russell, who revealed he consulted former Rangers, Celtic and Kansas City Wizards striker Mo Johnston about the club.

“I have always wanted to come here and for the last few years my interest has really grown. I am a big fan of the league and it’s constantly growing.

“I just felt the opportunity of coming to Kansas – and speaking to the manager (Peter Vermes) – I just felt at this time it’s the right fit for me.

“I spoke to my wife and this felt like the right place for us.”

Vermes added: “His CV up to this point speaks for itself.

“I think that he has really good attacking qualities that can obviously provide us with something that our team needs – that is, we need to be better in the attacking third.

“There’s no doubt in my mind he’s going to help with that.”