Gallacher relishes battle for Norwich spot

Paul Gallacher is relishing the prospect of battling it out with England hopeful Robert Green for the Norwich goalkeeper’s jersey next season.

The 24-year-old Scotland international today became the Canaries’ first signing since they won promotion to the Premiership.

Gallacher was out of contract at Dundee United and has penned a two-year deal, including a further 12-month option with the Norfolk club.

The Scottish goalkeeper already knows Norwich pair Gary Holt and Malky Mackay from their involvement with the national team, and won his eighth cap against Estonia last week.

“Obviously, I’ve had a chance to talk to Malky and Holty when we’ve got together for Scotland recently and everything they have had to say about the club has been really positive,” said Gallacher on the club’s official website, www.canaries.co.uk.

“A few clubs have expressed an interest, but once I knew that Norwich was one of them, my mind was made up.

“It’s an exciting time for everybody here and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington has been in the market to get some experienced cover for highly-rated Green – who was called up to the England squad for the friendly against Sweden in March – since the club decided to release veteran Paul Crichton at the end of the season.

Worthington believes Gallacher has all the credentials to more than just warm the bench when Norwich begin their first campaign back in the top flight for nine years this August.

“He’s a strong and commanding ‘keeper with eight international caps already under his belt. I’m delighted to bring him into the squad,” said the Norwich manager.

“There are no guaranteed positions in the squad and I’m sure he will be working hard to challenge Robert Green for the goalkeeper’s jersey.”

Worthington continued: “Paul’s going to be very good competition for Robert.

“His character is first class. He’s very, very dedicated to his profession, wants to do well and be successful.

“He’s quite commanding, got a good voice which is very, very important and has got two good feet.

“Plus he’s a nice age, got a wealth of experience in that he’s played quite a few games for Dundee United and has eight full international caps.

“We’ve had him watched quite a bit and he’s impressed everyone that’s seen him.”

Worthington could yet add another ‘keeper to his ranks despite also having England U17 international Joe Lewis available.

“Because of the way that the transfer window works, bringing in a third ‘keeper is a possibility and something that we’ll maybe look at,” he said.

“Joe’s maturing nicely, but he’s still a very, very tender age and has still got a lot to learn.

“At the level we’re at now, we need people of good experience and a wealth of maturity.”

Worthington added on www.pinkun.com: “In our situation, when we’ve got to spend very carefully and wisely. To have a player of Paul’s calibre come in on a free transfer is very good news.”

Having now secured the additional services of an experienced goalkeeper, Worthington is likely to turn his attentions to strengthening his outfield squad.

The Ulsterman has already been frustrated in a bid to bring Riccardo Scimeca to Carrow Road, with the utility player instead opting to stay in the midlands and move to West Brom following Leicester’s relegation.

Arsenal striker David Bentley is another target, albeit on a season’s loan.

Reports in the midlands have suggested Aston Villa striker Peter Crouch, who had a successful three-month spell in Norwich last season, and central defender Rob Edwards, could also be in line for a permanent switch to Carrow Road.

Rangers’ youngster Steve MacLean is another name which was today linked with the First Division champions.