'Keeper Southwood 'buzzing' to sign for ambitious Rovers

NEW Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Luke Southwood said he is “buzzing” after the 27-year-old became the Gas’ sixth signing of the summer, having joined from Bolton Wanderers on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

- Dan HARGRAVES

Southwood played 26 times for Bolton across all competitions last season as he closely competed with Nathan Baxter, who has since joined Championship club Watford, for the number one shirt at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

The Oxford-born shot-stopper has also been capped at international level once with Northern Ireland and was part of their most recent camp last month, being included on the bench for friendlies against Denmark and Iceland.

Rovers’ latest addition is set to be the club’s new number one ‘keeper for the upcoming League Two campaign, and has joined his new teammates out in Spain for their training camp this week.

“I am buzzing,” Southwood told club media. “I’m really happy to get it done, and I can’t wait to get going.