John Hartson’s move to Coventry City is now definitely off, and the player has committed himself to staying with Wimbledon until the end of the season.

Terms for the £5 million transfer had been agreed, but Sky Blues’ Belgian striker Cedric Roussel refused to leave Highfield Road.

He was supposed to make up part of the deal by moving in the opposite direction, but dug his heels in over personal terms.

Instead he pledged to stay in Coventry and fight for his place.

Nearly every other Sky Blues striker has been the subject of speculation as a possible substitute in the deal.

It appeared that Coventry were set on bringing Hartson to link up with fellow Welsh international Craig Bellamy.

Hartson has told the Wimbledon official website:

"As far as I am concerned the whole Coventry thing is dead. I feel sorry for their manager, chairman and fans - but obviously they can't put anything together.

"But I need to focus here. I want to get back to playing and I expect to be back in the squad for Portsmouth on Saturday."

"I am happy to stay here until the end of the season and then in the summer we will re-assess the situation.

“I have never asked to leave but I am fully aware of the situation and last week I thought that I was leaving and I took my boots home with me thinking I would be involved in the game at Newcastle for Coventry.

"But as the thing dragged on over the weekend and I missed the Preston game and the Cup game as I was left out after all the speculation. I also missed the games over Christmas due to my broken rib so what I really need is to be back playing.

"I need to be playing to get back in the Welsh side. I love playing for Wales and if I want to be considered I have to be playing at the top of my form for Wimbledon, scoring goals and not hanging around waiting for clubs to buy me.”

Meanwhile Coventry are without Paul Williams and Craig Bellamy through suspension for tomorrow’s game with Everton.

SEE [08 JAN 01] BREEN COULD GO AS HARTSON IS ADMIRED