'Brilliant opportunity' - Wolves goalkeeper makes loan exit

Wolves have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan to Celtic.

The 33-year-old will spend the season with the Scottish champions after being deemed surplus to requirements at Molineux by boss Cesar Peixoto.

Johnstone has made 27 appearances for Wolves since joining from Crystal Palace for £10million two years ago but found himself on the bench for much of the second half of last season.

Wolves brought in Joao Virginia and John Ruddy to back-up No.1 Jose Sa for the season ahead, with Johnstone told he was free to find a new club.

Technical director Matt Jackson said: “We knew at the start of the summer that we would be likely to revamp the goalkeeper department.

“Dan Bentley went to Coventry and Sam now has a brilliant opportunity to go to a massive football club.

“It will be great for him to get a real taste of first-team football that he hasn't had for a little while and he deserves the opportunity.

“It’s so difficult for goalkeepers, because you've always got frustrated players behind the starter, and teams obviously don't tend to rotate goalkeepers, so it can be frustrating.

“Sam wants to play all the time, and that's why he's been one of the top goalkeepers and he can certainly get back to those levels again.

“He’s a senior professional that you can have honest conversations with. He drives himself to the high standards, and he goes with our best wishes.”