Diamonds striker goes on trial at Anfield

Diamonds striker goes on trial at Anfield

Apr 4 2006

By Sean Taylor Daily Post Correspondent

ON-TRIAL Rushden & Diamonds striker Lee Tomlin last night made his debut in Liverpool Reserves' 1-0 victory over Birmingham at Wrexham's Racecourse ground.

The highlyrated 17-year-old is on a week's trial as he tries to impress Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

The youngster, who has been a revelation for the Nene Park side since making the step up to the first team squad last October, came on as a substitute for Welsh under-21 international Ramon Calliste for the last 25 minutes of the FA Premier Reserve League North match, which was won by a goal from Paul Anderson.

Tomlin has made 18 appearances for the relegationthreatened League Two strugglers, although only three have been from the start. But he has earned rave reviews coming off the bench and has caught the eye of Benitez and his scouts.

Tomlin will spend until Friday with Liverpool at their Mel-wood training ground and Rushden's buttistant manager Geoff Harrop is hopeful of a big money move for the player.

He said: "We wouldn't send him to Liverpool if we didn't think there was the possibility of a deal being struck somewhere down the line.

"They don't have time to have a look at Lee just for the sake of it - and neither do we.

"But one thing I would say to Rafael Benitez is get ready to get your cheque book out because everyone at the club from the youth development staff to (manager) Barry Hunter have spent a lot of time and effort working very hard with him over the last couple of years.

"He's a goalscorer, there's no doubt about that. He's sharp in the box and he gets into the right positions, he has great awareness and this is a good opportunity for him to show that at the highest level. He'll enjoy himself at Liverpool and I'm sure he'll come back with ideas about how he's going to be the next Robbie Fowler or Michael Owen."

Dalglish: I won't be congratulating Fowler

Meanwhile Kenny Dalglish was in playful mood yesterday when he joked that he would not be congratulating Fowler on surpbutting him in the club's all-time goalscoring list.

The Toxteth-born forward scored his 172nd goal for the club in Saturday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion to become Liverpool's fifth highest scorer.

It meant he overtook the Scottish legend and Dalglish said: "I'm not talking to him. In fact, I wish he hadn't come back, who's bright idea was that?"

But the former Liverpool striker and manager was not being serious and was delighted that Fowler had beaten his record. He said: "Nah, it's a fantastic achievement for Robbie and I'm delighted for him, he's a great lad.

"Once he returned it was inevitable he was going to overtake me."