AN Italian-sounding Canadian with Germanic goal-grabbing tendencies playing his trade in Devon? Sounds like a brain-teaser.

Actually, the solution is none other than Plymouth Argyle's Carlo Corazzin and he will occupy, if not the little grey cells, then certainly the alertness of York City's rearguard.

Now in his second full season with the Pilgrims, 26-year-old Corazzin has the Home Park faithful a-buzzin'. It's his recent run of goals that constitute the hope that Argyle can avoid the doom of relegation back to the basement.

Born in Canada, Corazzin started playing football for the Vancouver 86ers. His first port of call in England was Cambridge United, whom he joined in the 1993-94 season. Corazzin was to make a significant impact for the U's.

In just under three seasons with the Abbey Stadium side he racked up 39 goals in 109 League games. Besides earning the bullish striker a place in the Canadian international side, it also alerted other clubs.

Just over two years ago he arrived at Home park in a £150,000 move, said to have been initiated by controversial chairman Dan McAuley.

Corazzin, however, did not appear to fit in with then manager Neil Warnock. His place in the Pilgrims' line-up was never guaranteed and rather than an out and out striker he was also played in midfield. Last term he bagged just five goals in 30 Division Two outings.

But since the departure of Warnock for Oldham Corazzin has begun to prosper. Manager Mick Jones has restored him to a front-line position and he has responded.

Despite missing seven games while on international duty with Canada, with whom he is paired with Fulham's £1.2 million man Paul Peschisolido, Corazzin heads the Pilgrims goal stakes with 12 in 23 games.

Four of those goals have been hit in the last five games including the winner last week against fellow strugglers Carlisle. The ball was played into the area, and though Corazzin had his back to goal, one quick movement and spin saw the ball flash from his foot into the net.

Manager Jones ventured it was a 'Gerd Mueller' type strike, referring to the predatory power of West Germany's 1970 and 1974 World Cup ace.

Other clubs are now rumoured to be homing in on Corazzin with fellow Second Division rivals Bournemouth recently having a bid turned down. The Pilgrims will be praying the Canadian remains Devon-sent to keep them out of the mire.

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