TOWERING Jamaica goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr has signed a two-year deal with newly promoted Nowegian Premier League outfit Sarpsborg 08, the player’s agent confirmed yesterday.

Kerr, a Westmoreland native and a player who has progressed through the ranks of the national set-up, is no stranger to Scandinavia, having recently plied his trade there with another Norwegian club, Strommen.

The 26-year-old, who stands at 6ft 5in, won the heart of Sarpsborg 08 coach, Briton Brian Dean, after a two-week pre-season camp in La Manga, Spain, which ended recently.

Dean, the new manager at the central Norway club, was said to have been very impressed with Kerr’s pre-season performances, and is keen on building his defence around the former Portmore United custodian.

Kerr, the Jamaica number three goalie, and who has been the target for bigger clubs such Molde and Valarenga, is considered a major coupe by Sarpsborg, who have tracked the player’s progress for the past two years or so.

The player’s agent, Romel Wallen of Pro-Goals Sports, said Kerr’s move is a welcome one, because Tippelegan (Norwegian Premier League) is a highly scouted competition and “Duwayne already has a big reputation in Norway”.

“I’m really chuffed for Duwayne. This is a good second stage move. He’s done well for himself in Norway, and I expect the next phase of his career is to be in one of Europe’s elite leagues,” said Wallen yesterday.

Sarpsborg 08 Sporting Director, Thomas Berntsen, was quoted as saying “we are extremely pleased to land this deal. Kerr has made a big impression and will do a good job for Sarpsborg 08”.

Kerr distinguished himself during his playing days for Manning’s in Jamaica’s rural area schoolboy competition, the daCosta Cup. He later moved to Premier League outfit Reno FC.

He played for Jamaica at the Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 levels before progressing to the senior Reggae Boyz.

— Sean Williams