Dougie Freedman: 'Ben Hamer offers competition'

Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman has stated that new signing Ben Hamer will provide serious competition for the goalkeeping spot.

The 27-year-old stopper joined the Reds on a season-long loan deal from Leicester City on Saturday.

Former Charlton Athletic man Hamer will challenge Dorus de Vries for the number one spot at the City Ground.

"We needed competition in that position and we will have that now," Freedman told the Nottingham Post.

"Big Dorus has done very well and he was fantastic against Swansea. So we now have competition over the course of a long season.

"Everyone needs competition at a football club. I have to pick from 14 or so players who can give us real competition – and he has added to that number."

Hamer made 10 appearances in all competitions for Leicester last season.