(Picture: Action Images)
Stevenage United manager Darren Sarll has praised the “quality” of young forward Rowan Liburd after his two-goal cameo during Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy 4-0 victory against Southend.
The 24-year-old striker started for Boro for the first time since the EFL Cup defeat at Stoke in August, but rewarded his manager with two-goals in the dominant win over League One United.
Sarll told The Comet: “With his two goals and the quality of his game, you can see why we've kept Rowan a little bit away from playing time as we wanted to go through the process to allow you to see what you've seen tonight.
“[There was a] higher intensity, a higher level of workrate, greater dictation of passes in behind and he thoroughly deserved his two goals.”
Despite the victory failing to secure Stevenage a place in the next round of the competition, Liburd's return to form, coupled with a big squad to choose from and other impressive performances across the team, has given Sarll a selection headache.
Ahead of this weekend's home clash with Yeovil, the boss has Liburd, top scorer Matt Godden, Ben Kennedy and Harry McKirdy to choose from to lead their line, while on-loan Nottingham Forest striker Tyler Walker is also close to a return from injury.
In central midfield, Steven Schumacher and Michael Tonge also impressed on Tuesday, while right-back Nathan Kerr, 18, put in a solid display in his first start for the club and earned praise from his boss.
“The second well done should go to young Nathan Kerr making his first start.” said Sarll. “Another graduate of the academy, he's been with us now for three years.
“I thought he coped so, so well against Jermaine McGlashan who is a very good player and an experienced player of division three and four.
“He went back to all the training he's had in three years with us and implemented it.”
If you fancy Stevenage to go far in this year's Checkatrade Trophy, visit OdssDigger to get the best betting odds for sport.
