Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Shane gets Everton surface ready
EVERTON has turned to a Co Armagh man to ensure Wayne Rooney’s return is pitch perfect.
Shane Mcgeown from Markethill will be at the centre of the Toffee’s pre-season friendly with Gor Mahia in Tanzania on Thursday.
For the last five weeks he has been working to re-lay the entire pitch ahead of what will be Everton’s first visit to the African country.
The ground was little more than a dustbowl when Shane arrived with the team from Portadown company Clive Richardson Ltd and together they have transformed it into a surface suitable for toplevel professionals.
Shane told the Ulster Gazette: “It’s been quite a job but a very enjoyable one.
“The game marks Everton’s new association with gaming giant Sportpesa and the Merseyside club are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring it is a worthy spectacle.
“Everton have had their staff over in Tanzania checking on the progress but I am pleased to say everything has gone well – and if Rooney makes his debut he will do so on a top-level surface.
“We have been made to feel very welcome in Tanzania and I have really enjoyed working with everyone at Everton – it’s been a great experience.”
The team flies out to Africa today where it is hoped star Rooney will play his first match back as an Everton player after he told the club’s TV channel he is looking forward to some time on the pitch.
It is not the first time Shane has proved the value of his green fingers when it comes to refurbishing football grounds.
Last summer he spent weeks in France overseeing the Republic of Ireland’s training pitches at Euro 2016.
He is also a regular fixture at Windsor Park in Belfast making sure the pitch is in pristine condition for Michael O’neill’s Northern Ireland side.
TANZANIA YESTERDAY