Former Kilmarnock goalkeeping coach Billy Thomson has backed Freddie Woodman to succeed at Celtic if the Scottish champions make a move for the 23-year-old this summer.

Reports in the North East of England have claimed the Hoops are considering the goalkeeper as a potential replacement for Fraser Forster.

Woodman is currently at Newcastle but he has spent two loan spells in Scotland; one of which was with Kilmarnock and Thomson says he saw enough of the keeper to convince him he would have the mentality to succeed at Celtic Park:

“If Celtic do come in for him, then I think that Freddie has the temperament to handle it. You need to have a strong mentality, and Freddie has that, no doubt about it.”

“I think that players who come up here from down south are surprised. When Freddie went to places like Ibrox, Parkhead, Easter Road, Tynecastle and Pittodrie, I think his eyes were opened a bit by the great crowds and the great atmospheres.”

The former England Under 21 international has spent most of his career out on loan, having played just four times for the Magpies’ first team. However, he has been impressive during his time with Swansea City in the English Championship this campaign.

Some fans may see parallels with Forster who also struggled for game time at St James’ Park before making a success of things north of the border. We shall have to wait and see if Woodman makes a similar journey.