MANAGER Carl Heeley says he is happy to have three goalkeepers vying for the number one shirt at Worcester City.
Ryan Boot joined on loan from Port Vale last week after Heeley admitted he was “not overly convinced” by Ethan Ross and Nick Draper.
And the 21-year-old has made an immediate impact as he helped City secure back-to-back clean sheets in away wins over Bradford Park Avenue (3-0) and Brackley Town (2-0).
Ross, 19, was given the nod for the season opener against Harrogate Town and although he made two costly mistakes in that game he retained his place against Tamworth and FC Halifax Town.
Draper, 22, was then handed the gloves for three games before a shoulder injury allowed the West Brom loanee back in for the next three.
But the duo did not give Heeley enough confidence, so City’s boss turned to Boot, who previously had two loan spells at the club.
“I didn’t want to go and sign another goalkeeper but I was not overly convinced (with Ethan and Nick),” Heeley said.
“They are both young lads and it is the first time they have been in the spotlight for a prolonged period, so sometimes you have got to take them out.
“Ryan has experienced this level before and I thought it was an opportunity I had to take.”
With Boot going into between the sticks and Ross dropping to the bench, Grimsby-based Draper was not included in the 16-man squad to face Avenue on Saturday or Brackley on Tuesday.
But, having only agreed an initial one-month deal with Boot, Heeley says Ross and Draper both remain part of his plans.
“We have got three goalkeepers at the moment,” said Heeley, who also revealed Draper had been struggling with a shoulder problem.
“Nick was fine (with the decision). When you are winning games of football, it is easier to keep players happy.
“Obviously, everyone wants to play but he probably needs more time for his shoulder to recover properly anyway, so we have made a decision to bring in another goalkeeper.
“We have kept clean sheets and Ryan has been part of that.”
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