Celtic give Boruc competition with swoop for American goalkeeper Cervi

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Updated: 10:18 EST, 26 September 2008

Gordon Strachan has confirmed Celtic will sign American goalkeeper Dominic Cervi.  

Cervi, a 22-year-old University of Tulsa graduate, rejected the chance to sign a contract with Major League Soccer after being selected by Chicago Fire. 

He had a trial with Portsmouth without being offered a deal and has most recently been training with the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions.   

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Competition: Celtic's No1 Artur Boruc

Manager Strachan said: 'Jim Blythe (goalkeeping coach) will be working with him and we see him as a two-year project.'

Celtic had targeted Cervi, capped at under-23 level, after their pre-season tour to the USA.   

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Back up: Dominic Cervi

The keeper, who spent time with Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Michigan Bucks, played for his country at the Toulon Under 21 Tournament and was part of their squad for the Olympics in Beijing.   

His parents are Italian and he is applying for a passport that would allow him to play in Europe without having to receive a work permit.  

Celtic are looking for more competition for Poland international Artur Boruc. Mark Brown, formerly of Inverness, is currently Boruc's understudy.