Owen Goodman has joined Dundee on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace, and head coach Steven Pressley is confident the move will boost his prospects of becoming Canada's first-choice goalkeeper. Goodman was part of Canada's World Cup squad that reached the last 32 earlier this summer but is yet to overtake Maxime Crepeau and Dayne St. Clair.
Dundee loan move
Pressley revealed that Goodman had discussed the transfer with Canada's goalkeeping coach Paolo Ceccarelli before arriving. “Absolutely, I think that was in his thinking as well,” Pressley said. “For anybody outside, when you look at certain individuals and if they are playing within the top league in that country it is always more of a benefit. The English lower leagues are excellent but the fact he is playing in Scotland’s top leagues and playing against Rangers, Celtic and your Edinburgh clubs will enhance his own profile and give him a better opportunity to challenge for that national team spot.”
Pressley's confidence
The 22-year-old has previously had lower-league loans at AFC Wimbledon, Barnsley, Colchester and Huddersfield. Pressley noted that Goodman's long-term aim is to break into the Crystal Palace first team, but the Scottish Premiership offers valuable exposure. “That would be his longer term aim,” Pressley predicted. “I sure it will be. I think the exposure that the Scottish league offers only enhances that. It is a big attraction for players coming up here. There are a lot of games live on television and he can really build his reputation.”
Pressley pointed to last season's loan success stories at Dundee, including Cam Congreve and Tony Yogane. “We have shown we give loan players plenty of exposure. Congreve has gone on to play for Wales and Yogane has earned himself a move. Also, last season Jon McCracken was his only full season as a goalkeeper. We showed trust in the one keeper. That is also an attraction from the outside, that there wasn’t many changes in that department. It also gives the upcoming goalkeeper that we will trust them and give them the opportunity.”
Goodman's attributes
Pressley watched extensive footage of Goodman before making the move and expects him to make an immediate impact. “For one so young, he has played a lot of games. He brings a great presence. He is a goalkeeper who we feel can make saves. That is one of his real strengths. He can come up with big moments in games, which is important. All-round he is a good goalkeeper, but he has some real strengths in different areas.” Goodman is likely to make his debut against Celtic on Monday.
Pre-season preparations
Dundee will finalise their pre-season with a closed-door friendly against Bristol Rovers on Wednesday. Pressley has used the friendlies to balance progressing in the Premier Sports Cup with building fitness. “We don’t have the biggest of groups so it has been hard to fully rotate them. That has been my job to give everybody an opportunity. Now, come the Celtic game I have to pick a team that can win the match. I can’t think about game time, we need to pick a team to go and win.” New signing Alan Forrest and Joe Westley, returning from injury, are expected to benefit from the additional minutes.
