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For Pollokshields United, that’s their 25-year-old stand-in keeper, who’s turned “I’ll play anywhere” into a trademark. This Inside Verdict dives into his story, style, and sharp opinions from between the sticks.
Age- 25
Pollokshields United
At what age & how did you ended up being a goalkeeper?
I started off as a Centre Mid growing up as a young boy, then got into goalkeeping at the age of 16 for my first amateur team. Since then I’ve been the utility man for all teams I’ve played for. If the keeper is injured I’m always first to be asked😂. No complaints at all! Absolutely love playing in goals.
What do you enjoy & hate most about being a goalkeeper?
I love the fact I can see the full pitch and when I’ve got the ball I dictate the tempo, there’s no rush unless you’re down by a goal😅.
Thing I hate is the long ball game! I love to get on the ball n start from the back to build up the classic style of play.
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Do you have any goalkeeper pre match rituals you have stuck to over the years?
One ritual is that when the team warms up, I’m joining with them. Allows me to get a good proper warm up and get the ball moved around with the boys!
What is your plan/tactics at penalty kicks & how have you fared over the years?
Penalties is just potluck. I’ve had a decent save rate over the years, but also I do try read the body language of the player to see if they’re confident under the pressure.
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Goalkeepers often have to be vocal, are you a vocal keeper?
I’d say very vocal. I’ll always guide my teammates in playing the correct pass and let the other team know my presence.
Can you describe a standout save or moment in your career?
League winners with Pollokshields in 22/23 season. I had played in goals covering our keeper as he was suspended for a while. I had played 8 league games keeping 5 clean sheets (most in the league👀)and getting robbed out of the GDSFC team of the year by our keeper who made a return after so many moths out😅(still bitter about it😂)
Being a goalkeeper can be cruel so how do you try to recover mentally after conceding a goal or unfortunately make a mistake?
Just tell yourself this stuff happens, we’re all human at the end of the day and even the professionals make mistakes..
You a traditional shot-stopping keeper or a modern sweeper-keeper style?
I’d say a mix of both. We all love the camera saves as a keeper as it makes us look good. But I’m more towards the side of a sweeper keeper. Plucking the ball from the air or right off my line ready for the long ball over the top
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What advice would you give to young goalkeepers just starting out?
Don’t try be the hero with the magnificent saves! Your gonna look a million times better with a confident attitude and boosting your teams morale. Always boost your teammates no matter what.
Do you think amateur referees protect goalkeepers enough?
100%. AWe’re the most protected players on the park always.
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What is the worst bit of time wasting you have saw a goalkeeper implement (which of course you would never do) ?
Zach Hemming, end of last season St Mirren against Celtic. St Mirren needed a point to secure a European spot and every time he got the ball he would just lay down with it or walk to get it. All that time wasting for a European spot they never got😅. Also made the game very boring.
Or even Jordan Pickford at anfield. Can’t go the guy at all. Massively overrated!
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I’m a very good outfielder I’ve been told🥴. Grew up playing Centre mid and centre back. Then since joining shields I was put into left back then everywhere else and I could adapt to the positions.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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