McSheffrey Praises Rookie Keeper

Last updated : 19 August 2009 By CSFC

McSheffrey praises 16 year old keeper Bryce and Sphinx Junior System

Coventry Sphinx manager Danny McSheffrey has praised rookie goalkeeper Tom Bryce and the clubs Junior system after the 16 year old was hastily given his debut in Saturday's 3-2 home win against Bromyard Town and possibly one of the youngest goalkeepers to make their debut in the FA Cup.

With first choice keeper Carl O'Neil unavailable on Saturday morning due to a family emergency, McSheffrey had no hesitation in calling on substitute keeper Bryce who came through his first taste of senior football in the worlds most famous cup competition. 16 year old Bryce is yet to play a competitive game for the clubs youth team, having only stepped up from the under 16's at the end of last season, but certainly left his mark on the manager in an impressive performance.

McSheffrey commented, "Tom shows great potential and has showed a fantastic attitude throughout preseason. He has exceptional ability and has been coached very well at junior level by youth team coach Nigel Starkey and although he still has a lot to learn and a lot of experience to gain I had no hesitation in calling on him for Saturday's FA Cup tie. I spoke to Tom at about 2pm when I first heard that Carl (O'Neil) had gone to hospital and although he was a little apprehensive at that point, went on to play extremely well in an accomplished performance. He will have learned a lot from the experience but we must keep his feet on the floor and ensure he continues to progress at youth level"