Freddie had no doubts over

It is every young back-up goalkeeper’s conundrum. Stay where you are and wait for your chance, or hit the road when opportunity knocks?

For Freddie Woodman, it has twice been a no-brainer.

The young Newcastle United stopper could have sat tight at St James’ Park when Aberdeen boss Derek Mcinnes picked up the phone last month.

Instead, with Magpies gaffer Rafa Benitez’s encouragement ringing in his ears, he jumped at the chance of a return to Scotland, after last season’s successful loan spell at Kilmarnock.

A last- minute attempt by Celtic to snatch him from under the Dons’ noses came to nothing.

Now he can’t wait to measure up against t h e Ho o p s in t o d a y ’s top-of-thePremiership tussle.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Celtic,” he said.

“No matter what team you’re with, if you’re playing Celtic it’s going to be enjoyable.

“There’s a bit of extra pressure, but that’s the experience you want. You want to play against big teams.

“Celtic are the reigning title-holders, so why not test yourself against the best?” Such trials hold no fear for Woodman. Already a World Cup winner with England’s Under- 20s, the youngster is determined to proceed to senior glory.

He believes he’s already worth a shot at Premier League level.

Thankfully for fans of Scots clubs, the example set by the likes of Fraser Forster is proof that the path sometimes swings north of the border first.