Young Saints keeper on trial at Liverpool

The young St Johnstone goalkeeper on trial with Liverpool is the best of his age in Scotland, according to Perth boss Tommy Wright.

Wright, himself a former international keeper, has allowed Ross Sinclair to head to Merseyside, where he played for the Reds’ under-23s in a friendly against Panjab FC on Monday afternoon.

The 17-year-old had a mixed afternoon, conceding a penalty, saving it and then seeing the rebound tucked away.

“The trial happened by chance,” said Wright.

“My friend Barry Hunter works at Liverpool (as chief scout) and they are looking for a young keeper. So I recommended they took a look at Ross.

“He has gone down for a few days training and played in the under-23s game. So even if nothing happens it will have been a great experience for him.

“We have high hopes for Ross. He has work ahead of him but he will develop into a top class goalkeeper.

“Without doubt he is the best keeper of his age in this country.”

Wright said: “Ross is a good size, technically very good and he is comfortable with the ball at his feet. You could class him as having a man’s body but maybe a boy’s strength. He has only just turned 17 and he will develop physically.

Meanwhile, Scott Tanser has earned his new one-year deal with his progression over the course of the season.

Wright is hoping to see further development from the Englishman, who will hopefully have competition for the leftback berth next term from a fit again Brian Easton.

“When he first came in it took Scott some time to settle but as the season went on he grew in confidence and stature,” said the McDiarmid Park boss.

“He was a last minute signing for us when Easty turned up and couldn’t train in the build-up to Europe. It was needs-must for us and he came up on trial.

“But Scott has had a very good first season for us and that is why we wanted to hold on to him. We are pleased to get him initially on another 12-month deal.

“Hopefully Brian Easton gets himself fit for the start of the season and we will have real competition for the left-back role.

“Scott has quite a lot of experience for being just 23.

“He is very much a confidence player and as the season went on we got more and more 90- minute performances out of him.”