Liddle tipped to be a ‘top player’ for Rovers

BEN Garner is expecting big things from Ben Liddle at Bristol Rovers with the midfielder impressing in training.

But the manager believes steadily introducing the 22-yearold to the team is the sensible option.

Liddle joined Rovers from Middlesbrough on October 8 and is yet to make his debut for the Gas. He travelled with the squad to Shrewsbury a week ago but he was not named on the bench.

Garner believes Liddle, pictured, is in a similar position to the likes of Cian Harries and James Daly when they signed for the Gas in January, needing time to acclimatise before he is ready to make an impact on the pitch.

“He’s come in and done really well,” Garner told the Bristol Post ahead of tonight’s League One fixture with Hull City at the Memorial Stadium.

“What I’m conscious with some of these young players when they come in, and we’ve done similar with James and Cian, is I want them to have a bedding in period.

“Ben’s had a big relocation from where he lives, but he’s comfortable now and he’s already found a place and moved in. He’s training really well and he’s getting to know the group and how we work.”

Daly and Harries have since graduated from that process of integration to become first-team regulars and key players. Garner has similar expectations for leftfooted central midfielder Liddle. “I’m really pleased with him,” the manager continued.

“I think he’s going to be a really top player for this football club and he’s ready to take his opportunity when that arises.

“It’s important that when we do bring younger players in, we don’t just throw them straight in and we make sure they’re ready to understand what’s expected of them and when they’re ready to get the opportunity they can take it and try to stay in the team.”