If there is one positive that can be taken from Newcastle United’s relegation to the Championship last season then it is the recent emergence of youth at St. James’s Park. In the last year several youngsters have broken into the Magpies squad, most notably strikers Andrew Carroll and Nile Ranger, who have both secured places as first team regulars this season. There are some blossoming talents currently in the Newcastle academy, all of whom will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Carroll and Ranger. One of these talents is goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Forster, 21, has been on Newcastle United’s books since the age of 15. He has deputised for Shay Given in seasons gone by when Steve Harper has suffered from lengthy injuries yet the youngster is yet to make a full appearance for the Magpies.

During the early stages of the 2008-09 season, Forster ventured on loan to Stockport Country where he made six appearances in his 3 month spell. Forster was highly rated by the Stockport fans and was often praised for his fine saves. He managed to keep clean sheets in 3 of the 6 games for the club and gained some valuable first team experience.

At the start of this campaign, Forster once again ventured out on loan, this time to League One side Bristol Rovers. Despite only making 4 appearances for the side, Forster once again impressed and Rovers manager Paul Trollope was eager to extend the deal, stating that "Fraser has a great career ahead of him.”

It was not to be however, as Norwich won the race to loan the goalkeeper, whom they now have until the end of the current season. Paul Lambert’s side are flying in League One and Forster’s form has played a large part in this. He is renowned for his world class saves and his natural shot stopping ability and is fast becoming a popular figure with the Carrow Road faithful having won the Player of the Month award for November.

Forster stands at a mammoth 6ft 6½in and is a commanding aerial presence. He has all the attributes to dominate the number one jersey at any club and is already generating interest from a number of Premier League teams. Forster’s height and presence, combined with his natural shot stopping ability make him an excellent talent and there is no doubt that Newcastle have a gem on their hands.