Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has praised the Reds’ decision to take veteran goalkeeper Andy Lonergan on their preseason tour of the USA.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are short on goalkeepers at the moment, with Simon Mignolet the only senior option to travel across the Atlantic.
And that shortage has led to the 6’4″ free agent [Transfermarkt] being taken along as cover.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, Sky Sports pundit Mellor was keen to praise the decision.
He said: “A great addition to help shortage in Gk department at moment.
“He is a top lad to have about the place and will certainly be able to handle it”.
A great addition to help shortage in Gk department at moment. He is a top lad to have about the place and will certainly be able to handle it ?#LFC #PNE https://t.co/lxCVuNLG9o
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) July 16, 2019
Lonergan is not expected to sign a contract with the Reds.
OPINION
You have to agree with Mellor on this one. It would be almost nonsensical for the Reds to go out and spend a chunk of money for a goalkeeper who is ultimately never going to play. Alisson Becker is still away after winning the Copa America with Brazil, and Liverpool have injuries to other, less senior options, so right now, they need cover. Long term, however, do they need a new stopper? Probably not. Lonergan has more experience than most goalkeepers can even begin to fathom, and he is clearly a talented guy. Bringing him in for the tour, adding another old head to the travelling party, and using him when needed in training may be an unorthodox decision from Jurgen Klopp, but it’s a good one, and it should be praised. Chances are Lonergan won’t be given a deal afterwards, but he won’t mind at this stage in his career, and the experience will be once in a lifetime for him too.
