SWINDON Town could line up against an 18-year-old goalkeeper who is making just his second professional start on Saturday when Jody Morris’ men take on Crewe Alexandra in League Two.
Crewe stopper Tom Booth made his senior bow in the 2-0 midweek defeat at Grimsby Town, becoming the fourth gloveman the Alex have used this term in the process.
Arthur Okonkwo – who was on loan from Arsenal before being recalled in January – began the season as number one, while the experienced Dave Richards traded places with 18-year-old James Beadle in the months since.
But it was another teenager who caught manager, Lee Bell’s eye recently, and Booth was handed his chance to impress against the Mariners.
Now, the latest in an incredibly long line of Crewe academy graduates has his sights set on a home debut at the Mornflake Stadium this weekend.
Speaking to Crewe’s media team, Booth said: “Hopefully I've done enough to stay in the team for Saturday against Swindon, but you can only take one game at a time.
“I'm over the moon to make my debut; it's an unbelievable experience - all you ever wanted from when you were a little kid.
“I found the tempo of the game is so much quicker, the fans around you affect it. It's just a bigger atmosphere than you are used to, and you have to cope with the pressure.”
Booth, who impressed on loan at Nantwich Town earlier this term, could come up against the highly-experienced Charlie Austin – scorer of 185 career goals – on Saturday.
Austin has been mainly used off the bench recently but has a chance of starting with Jonny Williams a doubt due to a groin injury.
The Welshman should be back in time for the final game of the season, but Town boss Jody Morris revealed Saturday is likely to come too soon for Williams.
Morris said: “It’s looking likely to be a no for Jonny. He’s out on the grass today [Thursday], but it looks like Saturday will be a little bit too early.
“And Tom Brewitt is looking like he’s out too as he wasn’t available to train on Thursday.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here