Norwich City have extended goalkeeper Fraser Forster's loan from Newcastle until the end of the season.The deal means that Forster is also now eligible for future FA Cup ties this season and also the League One Play-offs should City reach them.

Norwich City have extended goalkeeper Fraser Forster's loan from Newcastle until the end of the season.

The deal means that Forster is also now eligible for future FA Cup ties this season and also the League One play-offs should City reach them.

Manager Paul Lambert said today: “I think Fraser has done phenomenally for us and he's got an understanding with the back four and is performing really well.

“Declan (Rudd) is just a young one who's only played a few games so we decided to have somebody who's played a considerable amount of games to try to see it through. There would be nothing worse than bringing in another goalkeeper in January time and things starting to go wrong.

“I spoke to Chris (Hughton) yesterday and he was great and we came up with a solution that suited all parties and he was very helpful.”

Lambert believes Forster has a great future ahead of him.

He said: “You need a presence and some of the saves I see him make, even in training, I think how 'Has he got there?'

“He's only 21 years of age and goalkeepers can play for a lengthy time in their career. He's done great.”

There is little hope, however, of Forster becoming a permanent signing for City.

“We have no chance of keeping him, the hopes they have got for him,” said Lambert.

City winger Simon Whaley, who returned from an on-loan spell with Rochdale earlier this week, has joined Bradford City on an emergency loan until January 2 and does not figure in Lambert's immediate plans.

Said Lambert: “I have to pick lads I think will win games and get a group I think will see a season through. As I said when I came in, it will be tough for him.

“I haven't had a chat with him or said 100 per cent, you're going to be out of the door or anything like that. Once he comes back and I get a chance to speak to him, I'll tell him what I think.

“I'm not so sure whether he's as mentally strong as other lads. I have to wait and see. I don't know too much about him. You've got to be mentally strong to be a footballer. It's not just on ability alone. The character has got to be good as well and that's what I look for in a footballer.”