Barnes eyes new keeper at Tranmere.

Byline: NICK HILTON

MANAGER John Barnes hopes to add a number one goalkeeper to the Tranmere squad this week - and he is confident that back-up for the new arrival is already in place in the form of Joe Collister.

The 17-year-old trainee produced an assured and accomplished display in senior company at the weekend, saving a penalty as Rovers were beaten 2-1 by Preston.

Barnes said: "I know how good Joe is. He had a fantastic game. He is 17-years-old and to say we all looking to him to play the whole season in the first team may be a little bit soon. But at least we know we can give us back-up and if it comes to it, I'll be happy for him to be in goal for us.

"We have targeted a goalkeeper to bring in on loan and we are hoping he will come in on Monday. He is a good young goalkeeper. It's not experience that is important, it is the quality."

Rovers boast a squad of 16 professionals after Barnes re-signed 20-year-old midfielder Charlie Barnett on a one-year contract over the weekend.

However, Tranmere officials can't be sure when Ian Goodison will return to the squad from international duty with Jamaica. The 36-year-old centre-back is waiting to be issued with a new passport before returning to the UK.

The squad remains short of specialist defenders and on Saturday the versatile Gareth Edds was pressed into service as a centre-back alongside first-year professional Ash Taylor.

Even so, Barnes drew encouragement from Tranmere's performance.

He said: "It was pleasing in terms of how we moved the ball when we were in possession and how we got into good positions.

"Overall I was pleased. The more the players can understand the system we are playing, the better." * Rovers are back in pre-season action tomorrow night, when they take on Southport at Haig Avenue, kick off at 7.45pm.