THIS MORNING the welcome news broke that goalkeeper Fraser Forster's loan spell at Norwich City has been extended until the end of the season.
The Hexham-born goalkeeper was initially signed on a one-month loan back on August 28, which was subsequently extended until the New Year. But a deal has been struck with Newcastle United which will see Forster remain at Carrow Road for the whole of the 2009-10 season, which is sure to be good news to Canary fans as much as it is to the big 'keeper himself.
Speaking at this morning's press conference, Forster said: "It is obviously nice to get it all sorted out and be here until the end of the season, it's brilliant to be a part of everything that is happening here. It all got sorted out late yesterday evening, it didn't take too long."
Asked by reporters whether it was an easy decision to make the 21-year-old replied: "Yeah definitely, it has been fantastic playing here in front of such big crowds and has been great experience for me playing in a good team, so hopefully I can do my part to help us push on and get promoted.
"I only think one game ahead so hadn't really thought too much about going back to Newcastle, because it was still a fair time off, but it is nice to get it all sorted and it gives you that stability so you know where you'll be."
With the deal being until the end of the season, the Magpies have allowed Forster to play in the FA Cup for Paul Lambert's side who travel to Brunton Park next Saturday (28th) to face League One side Carlisle United in the second round of the competition. Carlisle beat Morecambe in midweek 1-0 in the replay, after the first attempt ended 2-2.
"That is brilliant as well, it means another game and another really good competition to be a part of so really looking forward to that game next week," said Forster.
"Through injuries the back four has changed a bit but at the minute it seems pretty stable, so hopefully if we can all stay fit and keep the same players playing then everybody gets to know each other more and more and it makes the game a lot easier."
Before the FA Cup tie, City are in League One action twice, Brighton & Hove Albion come to Carrow Road on Tuesday night but next up is Southampton on Saturday at St Mary's Stadium.
"Southampton are a massive club and probably are a team that shouldn't really be in League One, a bit like ourselves, so it will be a very tough game."
Forster, who has kept eight clean sheets in 12 games so far, reserved the final word for his goalkeeping colleague Declan Rudd, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
"I think Dec has improved a lot since I've been here but is a bit unlucky with his injury at the minute. But I think he will have a good career from what I have seen so far. If he keeps working hard like he is then he has a great chance."
Tickets for tomorrow's game will be available on the day from St Mary's Stadium. Seats are also available for City's next two home matches against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday, November 24 (7.45pm) and Oldham Athletic on Saturday, December 5 (3pm) - log on to online ticketing, call 0844 826 1902, or visit the Carrow Road ticket office or the Canary Store in the Mall, Norwich.
