Newcastle keeper Fraser Forster heading to Celtic in loan deal

NEIL Lennon expects to make his tenth signing as Celtic manager today, with goalkeeper Fraser Forster poised to join on loan from Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old, who attended Celtic's 4-0 win over St Mirren at Parkhead yesterday, will undergo a medical this morning.

Lennon expects Forster to provide genuine competition to Polish international Lukasz Zaluska for the No 1 position at Celtic this season.

Forster is well known to Celtic coach Alan Thompson, who worked with him while in charge of Newcastle's reserve team, and also arrives with a glowing reference from Norwich City manager Paul Lambert, who had him on loan at Carrow Road last season.

The 6ft 7in Forster, who had previous loan spells at Stockport County and Bristol Rovers, was named Norwich's player of the year as he helped them win the League One title.

Lennon has been seeking a new keeper since the sale of Artur Boruc to Fiorentina for 1.7 million this summer.

"Fraser comes to us highly recommended," said Lennon, "and he should sign tomorrow (Monday). He has a massive physical presence and Alan speaks very highly of him. Paul also told us he is an excellent keeper. "

The capture of Forster appears to end any prospect of Celtic signing Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given on loan from Manchester City but Lennon made it clear he has yet to finish his frantic summer recruitment drive.

"There is still a possibility we could bring more in," said Lennon. "I'd like to get another striker if possible; it's a case of whether we can tempt anyone."

Lennon played down speculation linking Glenn Loovens with a return to Cardiff City.

The Dutch defender was in the main stand yesterday, but Lennon said: "He has a hamstring strain, he wasn't dropped. We didn't want to take any chances with him or Cha Du Ri.''

"Some of our football was breathtaking today and (James] Forrest really pleased me," he said. "He is a breath of fresh air.''