Paul first choice first foot

Gallacher agrees to join Pars and clearance is awaited.

Dunfermline Athletic are hopeful that they will receive clearance from the SFA and SFL on 1st January for Paul Gallacher to play against Livingston on Wednesday.

The keeper will make his move to the Fifers permanent, signing until the end of the season following the termination by mutual consent of his contract at Norwich City. Paul had six months left on that contract and has been at the Carrow Road club since joining them from Dundee United in the close season of 2004.

The signing solves a potentially serious goalkeeping situation at Dunfermline where Roddy McKenzie has been out since August and understudy Sean Murdoch is also currently carrying a hip injury. Eighteen year old, Greg Paterson was on the bench for last Saturday's First Division match against Stirling Albion.

The 28 year old Scottish internationalist arrived at Dunfermline in August and played in the second leg of the Pars UEFA Cup tie against BK Hacken in the Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg.

The son of a famous Clydebank stopper, Jim, he made an huge impression during his school days in Paisley and despite interest from numerous clubs chose to join Dundee United full time at the age of 16. Alex Smith gave him his first chance at senior level for the Tangerines and after nine seasons there, tried his hand in England with Premiership club Norwich City.

Speaking exclusively to the website on Hogmanay, Paul said he was glad that the deal is all done:-

"I have enjoyed playing first team football at Dunfermline. I feel that I have been doing well and delighted to remain here.

"It was Jim Leishman who was instrumental in bringing me up here from Norwich City and he and everyone at the Club have always made me feel wanted and so welcome. Dunfermline is a great club with a large fan base but we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground to see what can be achieved this season."

Paul and his wife have settled in well to living in Dunfermline with his popularity no doubt buoyed by some crucial saves he has had to make in the current run of five games undefeated. As he settled down to a quiet night in before training as normal on New Years Day he added:-

"Although we have had some great performances of late, I'd like to have it a bit easier in the coming games."