Scotland U21 goalkeeper Archie Mair has joined the Imps on loan from Premier League side Norwich City.
The deal was agreed before the summer transfer deadline, and it is anticipated that Archie will be able to join up with his new team-mates after recovering from a wrist injury early next month.
The 20-year-old is highly rated at the Canaries, who signed him to a new long-term contract this summer.
Archie gained first-team experience in the National League last season with King’s Lynn Town. He has also featured on the bench in the Premier League for Norwich.
Imps director of football Jez George said: “This is a move which suits all parties as, following his loan in the National League, Archie has the opportunity to experience a first team environment in League One, he provides us with cover for Josh Griffiths and allows Sam Long to go out and play games on loan. We were discussing a loan for Archie with Norwich prior to his injury so we are pleased that we have managed to still find a way to have made it happen.
“We held off on announcing this deal because we wanted to be fair to Archie and with our injury list, signing a player with an injury may have looked like we had taken leave of our senses! However, there is good logic to the arrangement and Archie is an excellent solution to what we need in supporting Josh and Sam. We anticipate Sam playing against Sunderland in the Papa John’s Trophy, following his games against Manchester United U21’s and Bradford City, with Archie being available from the following weekend to allow Sam to then go out on loan, as we have always wanted for his long-term development.
“We are very grateful to Norwich for their help throughout the process and for them facilitating the loan.”