Returning DC United goalkeeper Troy Perkins says he is ready to deal with the pressure of being a franchise player. The 28-year old has come back to the Washington club after two seasons in Norway with Valerenga but it wasn't as easy as just walking back through the RFK Stadium doors.

DC used a first-round SuperDraft pick, Brazilian midfielder Fred and allocation money to keep Perkins out of incoming franchise Philadelphia Union's hands meaning he now has a weight on his shoulders to perform.

"A little bit more expectations put on my shoulders and a little bit of pressure. But that's OK. I can deal with that," he said.

"I think DC did give up a lot to get that pick in the [allocation] draft, but I'm hoping to make it worth their while."

DC head coach Curt Onalfo admitted it was the club's goal to bring in a quality keeper during the off-season and said he was happy with the deal that was done.

"We're comfortable with what we gave up, because we're very comfortable with Troy. And priority No. 1 was to get a goalkeeper in the offseason and that's what we've accomplished," said Onalfo.

"Outside of looking at just your players individually, you have to have certain building blocks to have a successful team and leadership is crucial to that. So that was another reason why we felt Troy was an excellent fit for this team. D.C. United is in his heart and soul, and that's important to us."