Goalkeeper Shamal George has completed his loan at Tranmere and returns to Anfield this week, but it leaves Micky Mellon with a headache for Friday’s FA Cup tie with Tottenham.
George has struggled to get playing time at Prenton Park and managed just three appearances during his loan spell with the club. It’s fair to say that he didn’t really impress enough to warrant Tranmere trying to extend that loan beyond January.
A Wirral lad, Shamal was on Tranmere’s books as a kid before getting the move to Liverpool, and all Rovers fans will no doubt wish him well for the future.
His departure does create an issue ahead of Friday’s cup game with Spurs at Prenton Park. George had been second choice goalkeeper meaning Tranmere have now recalled youngster Luke Pilling from his own loan at Ashton United to cover that position.
However, Pilling played for Ashton in the FA Cup earlier this season meaning he is ineligible for Friday’s tie. It’s the same problem with Paddy Wharton who has also played in the competition while out on loan this season.
Micky said: “That was Shamal George’s final game. We’re considering things. Paddy and Luke are cup tied. A situation has arisen that we didn’t forsee, but we’ve got two young, able lads”.
Tranmere must now consider their options in terms of who will provide the cover for Scott Davies on Friday night. It may be that 18-year-old Bailey Passant will be given a spot on the bench, an amazing opportunity for a young keeper who is arguably fourth choice and is yet to make a competitive first team appearance.
Alternatively, Rovers may go and bring in a keeper on loan – or a short-term contract – to cover the position.
More build-up to the Spurs game to follow throughout the week.
