UNITED'S new keeper Paul Lundin is preparing for far busier times ahead, and admits he was surprised how little he had to do on his debut on Saturday.

The 33-year-old Swede, signed on a free transfer from Osters, had just two soft saves to make in a 0-0 draw with Bolton at the Manor.

The result edged United another point closer to safety as relegation rivals Port Vale and Swindon both lost, while Bury drew.

But Lundin proved a big hit with the fans with some prodigious kicking and could prove a useful weapon for the U's at Tranmere today and in the remaining games of the season.

"Paul's a very experienced goalkeeper which is what we need," said United's assistant boss Mark Harrison, himself a former keeper.

"It was a quiet game for him really, but everything he did, he did well. He's got a great asset in his kicking and throwing-out. He slowed the game down when it was important for us and it was maybe good for him as well to have a quiet debut."

Lundin said: "It was a quiet debut, I thought I would have more to do. But I know there will be much harder games to come.

"We are strong at home and we should have won the game with the way we played." The U's again came up against a keeper in inspired form as Steve Banks pulled off two brilliant saves on his Bolton debut.

But despite the goalless draw, Harrison sees things turning around for the better following Firoz Kassam's arrival.

"With the win at Sheffield United, other results going our way and Firoz coming in, we feel the whole thing has turned a bit in our favour. Things are looking better every day.

"How did we not take three points today?" Harrison asked. "That's been one of the games we've dominated this season."

Harrison added: "To Malcolm and myself it's been a massive boost to have Kassam come in and the players can probably relax a bit as well."

Striker Kevin Francis, still looking for his first goal of the season, said: "We know the off-the-field things are more settled and the days of not getting paid are hopefully over. Now we can just concentrate on what we do. "I thought I had scored with a header but their keeper made a tremendous save to push it on to the post."

United are expected to recall Joey Beauchamp to the side at Prenton Park this afternoon following the winger's three-match suspension.

Tranmere lost 2-1 at Watford on Saturday despite the Hornets having two players sent off in the last few minutes.

Story date: Monday 05 April

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