Find us ’keepers

BEN AMOS . . . on loan at Boundary Park in 2010-11 and under contract at Manchester United.

Names in the frame for No.1 jersey
ALEX Cisak’s departure last week left Athletic with only one goalkeeper on the books.

Dean Bouzanis and Liam Jacob had already been released by manager Lee Johnson.

The only goalie now installed is Luke Simpson — an 18-year-old about to enter his first season as a pro.

Johnson has confirmed he intends to bring in two new keepers: one as first choice and the other to compete for second spot with Simpson.

“We have loads of names on our list,” Johnson said. “We have made inroads with a couple. The budget will dictate what we can do. We are quite a long way down the line with a couple.”

Here, we look at a few options for the team


BEN AMOS: The tall Manchester United goalkeeper is no stranger to Athletic, having played 16 games on loan under Paul Dickov in 2010-11. It wasn’t all plain sailing for him: he conceded six goals in a home thrashing by Southampton. But he also produced one of the best saves ever seen at Boundary Park when he miraculously flicked a point-blank volley over the bar against Carlisle.
Amos (23) is under contract until 2015 at Old Trafford, but may be allowed out on long-term loan.


SAM JOHNSTONE: Also of United, Johnstone (20) knows the set-up at Athletic well, having spent time on a trial two years ago in friendlies against Burnley and Fleetwood. Currently preparing for the FIFA Under-20s World Cup, he enjoyed a spell on loan at Scunthorpe in 2011-12.
Last season, he impressed on loan in seven league matches. As a player who has represented his country consistently at youth level, Johnstone will certainly be on Athletic’s radar.


FRANK FIELDING: Expectations were high for this former England under-21 goalkeeper, who made waves coming up at Blackburn Rovers. Now 25, his career is at the crossroads with Derby manager Nigel Clough making the player available following the arrival of Lee Grant from Burnley as first choice..
Under-contract Fielding would be out of reach financially for a permanent transfer, but no takers might mean a loan possibility.


OWAIN FON WILLIAMS: The 26 year old has done the rounds in the North-West and remains sought after.
He has been at Tranmere Rovers for two seasons and made 75 league appearances.

The form of the out-of-contract custodian has attracted attention from elsewhere, despite Rovers’ attempt to tie him to a new deal. Williams has recently been included in the senior Wales squad.