WANDERERS boss Neil Lennon will recall Andy Lonergan in goal for tonight’s trip to Rotherham United as he keeps faith in the experienced stopper.
Lonergan watched on from the bench at Anfield on Saturday as Adam Bogdan’s heroics earned the Whites an FA Cup fourth round replay.
But despite his displays in the cup since the turn of the year, Lennon says Bogdan will be back in reserve when Wanderers return to Championship action at New York Stadium.
Lennon said: “(Andy) Lonergan will play; he has done nothing wrong.
“Adam is aware of the situation. He is not happy but he understands.
“We are blessed with having two exceptionally good keepers.
“Andy deserves to keep his place. He was outstanding at times against Sheffield Wednesday and made the big saves when needed to.
“Andy will be back in goal at Rotherham.”
Lennon admits it is a nice selection problem to have two good goalkeepers at his disposal.
Bogdan is out of contract in the summer and has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Macron Stadium.
However, he said he remained open-minded about staying beyond the summer at Wanderers following Saturday’s clean sheet at Liverpool.
And while frustrated with intermittent action, he sympathises with Lennon’s dilemma.
Bogdan said: “Obviously I want to play. It has been difficult because Andy (Lonergan) has been playing amazingly.
“The whole team has been playing so well, so I have to be happy with the chances I have in the FA Cup and take them as best I can.
“I think I did that and hopefully that means I can involve myself in the next game.
“It’s hard for the manager – he’s in a tough position.”
Lennon’s insistence Lonergan will return in South Yorkshire tonight does not affect his thinking about Bogdan’s future though.
And he is keen to see Hungary’s number one sign a new contract.
He added: “Adam showed everyone what a top keeper he is.
“I would like to keep him and it is something we will look at this week.
“We are speaking to his representatives this week.
“It is like a game of cards. No one wants to give their hand away too early because it could cost us a few quid or make him a few quid.
“I know his agent, we have had discussions over the last month and hopefully we will get something resolved soon."
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