Daijiworld Media Network - Coventry

Coventry, Aug 4: Coventry City have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton & Hove Albion on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old returns to the Coventry Building Society Arena after a successful loan spell last season, during which he played a key role in the club's Championship-winning campaign and promotion to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.

Rushworth featured in all 46 league matches, keeping 17 clean sheets to win the Championship Golden Glove award and establish himself as one of the division's top-performing goalkeepers.

Expressing his delight after completing the move, Rushworth said he was excited to return to a club where he felt at home.

"I'm really happy. There are so many emotions that I've got. There's excitement, and I can finally relax knowing it's done and that I'm back with the boys and at a club I loved being at," Rushworth said in a club statement.

"I'm excited to have this new challenge in the Premier League and to be able to call this place home is a big thing I've been looking forward to. To see the love from the fans and know I can now get back to playing in front of them is really exciting," he added.

Rushworth also said he was eagerly awaiting Coventry's first Premier League home game in 25 years.

"I can't wait to experience the atmosphere at our first home game after 25 years of waiting to play in the Premier League. It's going to be unbelievable. There are too many feelings to put into words, but I'm ready for the next chapter," he said.

Coventry head coach Frank Lampard welcomed the goalkeeper's return, describing him as a major contributor to the club's promotion success.

"It's great to have Carl back with us permanently. He's a top professional, a great character, and he had a huge impact on the team to help us get promoted last season. I'm looking forward to working with him again and welcoming him back into the group," Lampard said.