Keeper Marcus Hahnemann happy to fight for Wolves place

Jun 18 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail

GOALKEEPER Marcus Hahnemann insists he is happy to fight for his place in Wolves’ newly-promoted side and provide competition for first choice shot-stopper Wayne Hennessey.

The American joined Wolves yeterday in a one-year deal after being released by Reading.

The Seattle-born star, who turned 37 this week, joins Mick McCarthy’s squad to add experience in a team which won the Championship last season with the average age of just 22.

Hahnemann said: “I’m excited to be here. Wolves were one of Reading’s main rivals and I’ve always had good experiences when I’ve come up here.

“The games here have always been good and it was a great opportunity, one that I couldn’t turn down.

‘‘My buddy Kasey Keller played with Mick McCarthy and when I told him what was happening he said it would be great for me to come to Molineux.”

Hahnemann will support Hennessey and give the young Wales international some competition with Carl Ikeme and Matt Murray at varying stages of recovery from injury.

“Competition for places is always good. There are some very good keepers here and, hopefully, with my experience, we can be very strong in that position and we won’t have any worries this season,” added Hahnemann, who has been capped seven times for the United States.

Hahnemann was a fans’ favourite at Reading and believe he has the personality to win over the Molineux faithful.