“ LEE CAMP OR NEIL ETHERIDGE? “
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:47 pm
Neil Etheridge has been the main man between the sticks for Cardiff City so far this season but he is now likely to face a significant challenge from the fit-again Lee Camp.
By Jamie Kemble
Thursday 21st September 2017
Philippines international Neil Etheridge has come in for some criticism of late; as described last week, while he isn’t in ‘Ben Amos territory’ just yet, he is living somewhat dangerously.
His performance away at Preston was poor but he also wasn’t helped by errors from the defensive unit as a whole. This wasn’t the first instance of goalkeeper-defence frailty: a similar incident led to a goal conceded against QPR in August.
For one reason or another, Etheridge hasn’t really been pressured by Brian Murphy so far. While Murphy seemed a step up from the inconsistent Amos last season, his lack of proficiency in distribution let him down.
The real catalyst for changing of the guard in goalkeeper terms is the recovery from injury of summer arrival Lee Camp. The Northern Ireland international had previously been out of the picture with injury.
Camp delivered an assured performance in 4-0 rout of Burnley in an U-23 game earlier this week to mark his comeback; the match also represented the return of Scottish defender Callum Paterson.
While the games against Sunderland and Leeds United may prove a little early for Camp in terms of actually starting, he could be in line for a substitute’s berth as long as this wouldn’t significantly conflict with his U-23 commitments.
The match against Derby County at home at the end of September could represent the first chance Cardiff City fans get to see Camp in first team starting action. If this doesn’t materialise then he is almost certain to be in contention after the next international break in early October.
Camp is highly unlikely to be in consideration for a recall to the Northern Ireland squad during the international window; his last international appearance came in 2012. This gives the Cardiff City coaching team more time to work with him during a lull in league activity.
Ultimately, Camp is the heir apparent of the goalkeepers jersey at the Cardiff City Stadium. Only a succession of dominant performances from the current incumbent Etheridge will change this course of action.
While this is not completely unfeasible, it is unlikely. Etheridge is doubtless a competent stopper, but boss Neil Warnock will be seeking a lift after losing ground in the promotion race. This could well come in the form of drafting in the likes of Camp and Paterson to sure the side up.
By Jamie Kemble
Thursday 21st September 2017
Philippines international Neil Etheridge has come in for some criticism of late; as described last week, while he isn’t in ‘Ben Amos territory’ just yet, he is living somewhat dangerously.
His performance away at Preston was poor but he also wasn’t helped by errors from the defensive unit as a whole. This wasn’t the first instance of goalkeeper-defence frailty: a similar incident led to a goal conceded against QPR in August.
For one reason or another, Etheridge hasn’t really been pressured by Brian Murphy so far. While Murphy seemed a step up from the inconsistent Amos last season, his lack of proficiency in distribution let him down.
The real catalyst for changing of the guard in goalkeeper terms is the recovery from injury of summer arrival Lee Camp. The Northern Ireland international had previously been out of the picture with injury.
Camp delivered an assured performance in 4-0 rout of Burnley in an U-23 game earlier this week to mark his comeback; the match also represented the return of Scottish defender Callum Paterson.
While the games against Sunderland and Leeds United may prove a little early for Camp in terms of actually starting, he could be in line for a substitute’s berth as long as this wouldn’t significantly conflict with his U-23 commitments.
The match against Derby County at home at the end of September could represent the first chance Cardiff City fans get to see Camp in first team starting action. If this doesn’t materialise then he is almost certain to be in contention after the next international break in early October.
Camp is highly unlikely to be in consideration for a recall to the Northern Ireland squad during the international window; his last international appearance came in 2012. This gives the Cardiff City coaching team more time to work with him during a lull in league activity.
Ultimately, Camp is the heir apparent of the goalkeepers jersey at the Cardiff City Stadium. Only a succession of dominant performances from the current incumbent Etheridge will change this course of action.
While this is not completely unfeasible, it is unlikely. Etheridge is doubtless a competent stopper, but boss Neil Warnock will be seeking a lift after losing ground in the promotion race. This could well come in the form of drafting in the likes of Camp and Paterson to sure the side up.