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Carroll relishes Europa League prospect

Olympiakos have brought in experienced goalkeeper Roy Carroll as they look to mount challenges for titles, both domestically and in Europe. The Greek giants have secured the former Manchester United stopper on an 18-month deal, following Carroll's eye-catching short term spell with OFI Crete, leaving the island club in a very respectable seventh in the league, in their first season back in the top-flight.

The keeper will now be looking to help his new club claw back Panathinaikos at the top of the Super League, who currently lead the defending champions by five points. As well as an important domestic campaign, Carroll will also be looking to make an impact in the club's Europa League round of 32 clash against Russian club Rubin Kazan this month. People following the Europa League odds will know it looks set to be a very tough match.

The veteran admitted playing in Europe had been an added bonus to his move to Olympiakos, revealing he was delighted to have been given the chance to join such a big club at this stage in his career. Those looking at the Betfair betting tips may have been surprised by the move.

"It's a real honour to be part of Olympiakos, Greece's greatest team. I will do my best in order to contribute and help our squad accomplish its goals," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to the Europa League games and my own comeback to European competition."

"I'm hoping that next year we will be playing in the Champions League, because everybody wants to play at the top level. In order to be able to do so, however, we must first win the championship."

The Northern Irishman has been on a nomadic journey since leaving Derby in 2009, taking in spells in Denmark before arriving in Greece, and his experience at the highest level could be essential to Olympiakos' hopes of progressing past a resilient Rubin side.

Published: Monday 30th January 2012

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