Preston keeper Iain Turner joins Dunfermline on loan

Image caption, Turner joined Preston on a permanent move from Everton in the summer

Dunfermline have signed goalkeeper Iain Turner on loan from Preston North End until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The 27-year-old Scotland squad member is a replacement for Paul Gallacher, who is out for the rest of the season.

Understudy Chris Smith has made a couple of high-profile errors since Gallacher suffered a shoulder injury.

Turner, formerly with Everton, has failed to regain his place with Preston after fracturing a toe in October.

The former Scotland Under-21 international started the season as first choice at Deepdale after signing a permanent contract in the summer following a successful loan move from Goodison Park last season.

However, he has failed to dislodge Thorsten Stuckmann, the German having been signed during Turner's absence due to a toe problem picked up in training.

Turner, who has been in a number of Scotland senior squads without winning his first cap, began his career with Stirling Albion.

He moved to Everton in 2003 but made only four appearances in eight years, during which he had spells on loan with Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City.