Stratford Town goalkeeper Liam O'Brien in contention to start against Coalville Town

LIAM O’Brien could take his place between the sticks for Stratford Town’s clash against high-flying Coalville Town this weekend.

O’Brien, pictured, has been sidelined since picking up a gash to the leg during Stratford’s 4-2 win over Nuneaton Borough on 30th November.

Since then Murphy Mahoney, on loan from Championship side Queens Park Rangers, has been a good substitute while O’Brien has been out.

The 20-year-old's loan spell has since been extended by 15 days with a 24-hour recall.

But Bards manager Tim Flowers revealed former Coventry City ‘keeper O’Brien could be involved against Coalville at the Arden Garages Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

“I’ll be gobsmacked if Liam’s not fit for Coalville,” Flowers told the Herald.

“I’ve seen the cut and it’s only a small one now, the rest of the wound has knitted together nicely.

“Liam’s going to have three sessions this week ahead of Saturday’s game.

“He trained on the astro surface last Thursday (30th December) and did pretty much a full session.

“I’m pretty sure he’s there and we’ve told Liam he’s ready to come back into the fold now.”

Flowers added: “Young Murphy has done really well and we’ve extended the loan to cover ourselves just in case Liam has a mishap or is not quite ready to play.

“Murphy has done really well since coming in and made some important saves in every game.

“He’s a nice, polite kid and has a good attitude. He’s been coming up from London every Thursday night to train with us.

“Murphy’s fitted in well and I know QPR think highly of him.”