Doncaster Rovers have brought in goalkeeper Josh Clarke from Partick Thistle on loan, with a permanent move scheduled for January. The 21-year-old only recently switched from Celtic to Thistle. Doncaster say he will sign a long-term deal when the transfer is completed for an undisclosed fee.
Clarke initially joined Thistle on loan from Celtic last summer and agreed a pre-contract in February to make the move permanent. Thistle’s sporting director Ian Baraclough said the club included a clause allowing Clarke to leave if a team at Doncaster’s level came forward, giving Rovers the option to finalize the deal in January.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international, who received senior call-ups in March and June, kept 14 clean sheets in 42 games as Thistle finished second in the Scottish Championship, before losing to St Mirren in the Premiership play-off final.
Head coach Mark Wilson said it was disappointing to lose Clarke but called it a great opportunity and backed the keeper’s potential.
Separately, right-back Ben McPherson has signed a two-year deal with Thistle after leaving Celtic, following 40 appearances for the Firhill club last season.