Freedman - Lonergan to start

Manager confirms Andrew Lonergan will start in goal this weekend, despite Adam Bogdan's return to fitness

Dougie Freedman has confirmed that Andrew Lonergan will retain the starting goalkeepers jersey for the weekend’s game at Reading, despite Adam Bogdan’s return to full fitness.

The Hungarian international had been sidelined since late October after injuring a knee in training.

And after returning to training and successfully coming through a full game for the under-21 side midweek, Bogdan is now back fit and eligible for selection.

But speaking in his pre-match press conference, Freedman stated that the spot between the sticks ahead of the trip to the Madejski Stadium will currently remain with Lonergan.

“I think Andy Lonergan has been sensational for us,” the manager said in his pre-match press conference. “He’s been our best player for the last couple of months.

“There’s no doubt that he holds that position right now, but Adam, like any other player has got to fight for his place and work hard in training.

“When the time is right, I’ve got to make the best decision for the team and for the football club, but right now Andy Lonergan is the number one goalkeeper at this club because of his recent performances.

“It’s hard for everybody if you’re not in the team, because we’re playing quite well right now. I’m not suggesting for one moment that we’re at our peak, but we’re performing very well at the moment.

“There are always going to be players who are disappointed.”


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