Scottish goalkeeper Fraser starts trial with Birkirkara

Scottish goalkeeper Michael Fraser yesterday began a trial with Birkirkara.

The Maltese champions have been forced into a search for a shot-stopper after Ezequiel Lovizon broke his left hand in the early stages of Birkirkara’s opening BOV Premier League match against Sliema Wanderers earlier this month.

Signed as a replacement for Spaniard Jorge Mora in the close-season, Lovizon could be sidelined for up to four months after undergoing surgery on his fractured arm.

Manuel Bartolo, who joined the Stripes on loan from Msida St Joseph in the summer, is standing in for the Brazilian-born Lovizon but coach Paul Zammit is keen to add another experienced goalkeeper to his squad.

Fraser, who turns 27 on October 8, is a free agent after being released by Scottish Premier League side Motherwell in the summer.

He was due to report for his first training session with the Stripes yesterday evening after arriving in Malta the day before.

Fraser spent seven years with Inverness Caledonian Thistle before signing for Motherwell last year.

After making his debut in the Europa League qualifying round defeat to Llanelli, Fraser lost the no.1 shirt to John Ruddy who had joined Motherwell on loan from Everton.

Birkirkara have another Scottish player in their ranks, defender Ryan Harding. He was awarded a contract by the club after leaving a good impression during a close-season trial.