Doncaster Rovers could make a move for Partick Thistle shot-stopper Josh Clarke after his exit from Celtic.
The Northern Irish goalkeeper was picked up by the Scottish Championship side permanently back in February, with his deal at Firhill believed to have kicked in following the end of the season in May.
McCann Targets Compatriot
However, he may not get a single minute of action at Thistle following his switch across Glasgow, with Alan Nixon reporting via his Patreon that Doncaster Rovers are keen on signing the 21-year-old.
The League One club have lost starting goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala following the expiry of his loan spell from Hull City, meaning a new first choice is needed in South Yorkshire.
Clarke played 42 times for the Jags on loan last season, assisting the club to reach the playoff final after a second-placed finish, but failed to gain promotion after losing across two legs to League Cup winners St. Mirren.
Those efforts earned him several senior call-ups to the Northern Ireland squad, but is still yet to make a senior appearance under Michael O’Neill.
He did not play a single senior game for the Hoops following his signing from NIFL Premiership side Glenavon in 2022, but gained senior experience with stints at Ayr United and Airdrieonians.
Rovers Bank On Promise
Doncaster Rovers are in need of a new goalkeeper this summer and while a move to secure Thimothee Lo-Tutala was not out of reach, it seems that they have opted to look elsewhere.
Josh Clarke was a crucial part of Partick Thistle’s second-place finish in the Scottish Championship, and with no pathway forward at parent club Celtic, was allowed to move to Firhill.
With 12 clean sheets out of 33 league matches, the Jags were a strong defensive unit, only bettered by league champions St. Johnstone.
A fairly assured figure between the sticks, he ranked highly in save percentage and his number of saves made, and it is that which has perhaps allured Doncaster Rovers to weigh up a bid.
Lo-Tutala’s deputy options at Rovers in Jacob Bryant and Jake Oram are perhaps not ready to take the step up to senior EFL football, meaning that adding a new face with room to grow in Clarke is the best path forward.
