Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger has been singing the praises of goalkeeper Danny Eccles after his first appearance of the season.
Eccles was brought into the side for Tuesday’s NPL West home game with Trafford when first choice Jim Atkinson was ruled-out with Covid.
The 25-year-old, who joined Reds last season, has spent the bulk of his time with the club on the bench as Atkinson’s deputy with just a handful of appearances.
Grainger said: “Danny is a credit to himself. He has been patient, worked hard and waited for his chance. I thought he was excellent on Tuesday, not just with a couple of saves he made but with his distribution and general organisation.
“His performance has given me a headache but that’s what you want in a squad. Good, healthy competition for places with everyone trying to nail down a starting place.”
Eccles has had a number of clubs – from starting with Carlisle United Under-18’s in 2014 – to brief stays with Barrow, Dover, Chorley, Congleton and Ashton Utd where he was regarded as a competent deputy with limited opportunities in the first team.
Reds are in action again on Saturday at Witton Albion before following-up at Borough Park on Bank Holiday Monday against Clitheroe.
Centre half Sam Smith, who has not played this season because of injury, is closing in on a return to action along with Ben Hughes who suffered a back injury at work.
