Fulham snare international pair

Fulham FC have taken their summer signing spree to six players after capturing Northern Ireland striker David Healy and England left-back Paul Konchesky.

Gradual rise
The 27-year-old Healy has signed a four-year contract to secure a switch from Leeds United AFC. He will be in familiar company at Craven Cottage, linking up with former international manager Lawrie Sanchez as one of four Northern Irish players in the squad. A one-time Manchester United FC academy player, Healy has spent much of his career on the cusp of the top flight but has caught the eye with some stunning international performances over the past two years, including a hat-trick in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier versus Spain last year.

Familiar foursome
He notched three more in a victory over Liechtenstein and another two against Sweden, feats which Sanchez will be well aware of as he was manager at the time. International team-mates Aaron Hughes, Steven Davis and Chris Baird will also be familiar with Healy, although Fulham are also looking beyond Northern Ireland after Konchesky joined from West Ham United FC for a fee that will rise to €4.8m depending on appearances. The 26-year-old, capped twice by his country, made 59 league appearances over two seasons at West Ham, scoring one goal.