BRUCE GROBBELAAR, who began his 13th year with Liverpool last week, will spend the rest of the season on loan to Stoke City following a cruciate ligament injury to the Second Division leaders' regular goalkeeper, Ronnie Sinclair.
The elastic eccentric, now 35, has himself been indisposed lately, having been forced to rest after being hit on the head by a lump of concrete while representing Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier against Egypt in Cairo. A brain scan revealed no damage, and he will go straight into Stoke's side at home to Fulham on Saturday.
Under the terms of Lou Macari's agreement with Graeme Souness, Grobbelaar is to remain with Stoke until 12 May. He is reunited at the Victoria Ground with Tony Waddington, a former manager of the Potteries club and now an associate director, who introduced him to English football with Crewe in the 1980-81 season.
Grobbelaar started the season as Liverpool's first choice, playing in the Charity Shield, but lost his place because of international commitments. He regained it from David James, only to drop behind both James and Mike Hooper in the pecking order after his sending-off against Spartak Moscow. His last senior game was in October.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments