Canaries land Gallacher

Norwich have made Scotland goalkeeper Paul Gallacher their first signing since winning promotion to the Barclays Premiership.

The 24-year-old was out of contract at Dundee United and has penned a two-year deal, with 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.

Gallacher won his eighth international cap in last week's 1-0 win over Estonia, but has been brought in essentially as cover for highly-rated Robert Green, who was called up to the England squad for the friendly against Sweden in March.

"Paul's going to be very good competition for Robert," said Norwich manager Nigel Worthington at a Carrow Road press conference this morning.

"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 which, with the back pass rule as it is, is also very important.

"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 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 secured experienced cover for Green, Worthington is now likely to turn his attentions to strengthening his outfield squad.

He 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, while Rangers' youngster Steve MacLean is another name which was today linked with the First Division champions.