Esson Assured Despite Lang Start

Last updated : 07 July 2005 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood assured Ryan Esson he has not been usurped as the club's number one goalkeeper. New signing Jamie Langfield has been selected for the first pre-season friendly against Huntly on Saturday.

But the Dons boss has assured Esson, 25, that he will be involved for the trip to Montrose next Tuesday. Calderwood told the Evening Express this week: "People shouldn't read too much into the fact Jamie will be starting against Huntly."

Former Darlington goalkeeper David Preece has been told he can leave the club, allowing a straight battle between Esson and Langfield this season.

Calderwood added: "Ryan will start against Montrose in our second pre-season match on Tuesday night. It was great to hear that Ryan got into the Scotland squad while I was away on holiday during the summer and he did really well last season. We trained at the weekend and had three teams, so each 'keeper was in action. The standard of goalkeeping on show from Ryan, Jamie and David Preece was unbelievable. That presents the kind of headache any manager wants but the big battle will be between Jamie and Ryan."


Stand Free will have a full match report from Saturday's opening pre-season friendly against Huntly online this Sunday.