Spectators attending this weeks game at The Oval should be in for some excellent entertainment. Liverpool have just announced their travelling party and this seasons squad is equal if not better than the one that played at Ravenhill last season. Just look at the number of players who appeared there who have progressed to the Liverpool Squad now on tour in Indonesia and Australia.
Among those appearing in Belfast this year will be Ryan McLaughlin, a Northern Ireland U21 International who recently signed a new contract with the Reds. Ryan has been allocated squad number 43 for this coming season. Adam Morgan, a prolific goal scorer for the U21 side who made his debut last season in a Europa League game against Hearts at Tynecastle, will also feature in the squad as will Samil Yesil. Yesil, signed from German club, Bayer Leverkusen, with squad number 36 made his debut last season against West Brom in September in the Capital One League Cup. Danny Ward, Welsh Under 21 goalkeeper who was on the American first team tour last year and Stephen Sama (squad number 45) who great things are expected from this season. Other players of note who we are told to look out for are Jose Ignacio Huertas Ortiz (Nancho) apparently this lad is a better player than Suso who impressed last year, Joao Carlos Teixeira who Liverpool snapped up from Sporting Lisbon and big things are expected of him this year as well.Highly regarded American Marc Pelosi, local lad Jack Dunn who has received rave notices locally with his displays last season.The squad is packed with lads representing their country at all Youth Levels.
Hearts have started their pre season in tremendous form. Their latest game against Raith Rovers ended in a 5-0 win for Hearts this followed an impressive 2-1 win over Dunfermline in front of a crowd of over 4500, very impressive for a pre season game. Certainly Hearts do have a lot of great talent in their squad as well and manager, Gary Locke can look forward to the new season with a great deal of confidence.
Glentoran and Crusaders will be looking to build on their European ventures and these games will add great experience for both clubs in preparation for the new season kicking off on 10th August.
The Belfast public should enjoy the three game with the prospect of exciting and open football by the four teams involved. Glentoran kick off against Liverpool on Wednesday 24 July at 7.45 at The Oval.
Crusaders & Hearts take the stage on Thursday night, again at The Oval kick off 7.45pm.
Liverpool v Hearts is certainly a game to look forward to is on Saturday 27 July with a 2.30pm kick off at The Oval
Admission to games is;
Grandstands £15 Adult £10 Concession
Terracing £12 Concession £9
Tickets for all games will available from:
Glentoran Shop Monday and Tuesday 4pm -8pm
C&D Newsagents Shore Road Belfast Friday 6am -8pm daily
David Boyles, Abbots Cross, Newtownabbey 9am -5pm