Canada defender Kevin McKenna has taken a step down from the Bundesliga into the second division, leaving Energie Cottbus for FC Cologne.

The move has come as something of a surprise as the 27-year-old made a big impact on the Bundesliga this season as captain of newly-promoted Cottbus, guiding them to 13th to secure a second year in the top-flight with weeks to spare.

He recently signed a new contract with the club and committed himself to a long term deal.

However a clause meant he could leave for the fixed sum of approximately 500,000 euros (£338,000), and the offer from the ambitious second division side was too much for the player to turn down.

"Cologne really pulled out all the stops and I got the feeling they really wanted me," McKenna told club website, www.fc-koeln.de.

"I think we have a realistic opportunity for promotion and that is why I have signed a four-year deal."