Two More Keepers On Trial

Last updated : 29 July 2004 By Covsupport

City have given trials to goalkeepers Andy Marriott and Bogdan Stelea. Peter Reid worked with both during his time at Sunderland and said: "Andy is out of contract and we have also got a Romania goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea who I had at Sunderland a few years ago. It is obviously an area we need to strengthen, so we are just having a look at them." Meanwhile keeper Chris Neal has been returned to Preston North End,despite not conceding a goal in the two games he played against FK Pirmasens and CS Grevenmacher on Sunday.

Peter Reid feels that Tim Sherwood should be ready for the opening game against Sunderland despite the new City skipper only playing 45 minutes of first team football during the pre-season. The City boss said:"Tim needs a little bit more time but he's feeling fine and it was useful for him to get 45 minutes because up until now he's only really done running work. "He looked a little rusty but there's the Norwich friendly on Saturday and a full week of training after that so I'm not worried."

He may also offer a contract to defender Con Blatsis saying "He has done well so we'll assess his performances and then maybe have a chat with his agent."