New York Red Bulls have acquired veteran midfielder Carl Robinson from Toronto FC.

The 33-year old Wales international is set to join the Red Bulls next week in Florida after the club gave up 2011 draft picks for his services.

New York coach Hans Backe said Robinson's presence in his midfield would be extremely handy.

"At some points in our midfield we can split it up in the attacking game, but I don't think we'll play with one holding mid, because in my opinion when you play with one holding you force your back four ten yards more back, and that means your team will be rather long,'' Backe said.

"If you start flat, you have a tighter team when it comes into games. But if you force the back four to play with just one holding (and force the defenders) ten yards more back, it'll be a little bit more space to cover. So we'll probably start with a flat 4-4-2, and then in the attacking game break the lines a little but so to say.''