Walker bags one-year deal at Reebok

9:32am Friday 4th July 2008

VETERAN keeper Ian Walker has been handed a new 12-month deal at the Reebok Stadium.

The former England international, who has been with Wanderers since leaving Leicester City in July 2005, will provide competition for Jussi Jaaskelainen and Ali-Al-Habsi next season.

He has not figured in a first team game for the club since January last year, when he kept a clean sheet in an FA Cup victory against Doncaster Rovers.

Walker has never made a Premiership appearance for the club, but has been called upon on eight occasions in cup competitions.

The 37-year-old, pictured right, faces an uphill task to secure a first team spot this season, with Jaaskelainen prepared to fight-off opposition for the number one jersey.

The big Finn has agreed to extend his 11-year stay at the Reebok by a further four years, and believes the rivalry from Walker - and particularly last season's surprise package Al-Habsi - will keep him on his toes.

"There's always competition - not only at Bolton - when you play in the top league if you don't perform there's going to be lots of other keepers coming in," Jaaskelainen said.

"Of course, Ali played very well at the end of last season and will be more impressive, but I think that will bring the best out of everyone."

Jaaskelainen is expected to officially put pen-to-paper on his new contract at the Reebok by the time the club return for pre-season on Wednesday.