As Liverpool Under-21s took the field to play their local rivals Everton in the mini-derby last night, one noticeable absence from the team sheet was starlet Jerome Sinclair, which started rumours of his emission swirling all around Twitter.
Yet, the Echo is reporting that a conversation with Under-21 manager Michael Beale has revealed that it is injury, not contract wrangles, that are keeping Sinclair out of the side, and Beale also went as far as to praise the young striker for his commitment and attitude during a time when contract issues could well be weighing heavy on his mind.
“He picked up a knock two days ago and he’s going to be out for 14 days which was a shame because he would have played against Everton. In the Chelsea game (season opener) he worked his socks off and missed a couple of chances which he’ll be a little bit frustrated with,” said the youth manager.
I just work with Jerome every day, he’s really positive and we just keep moving forward with Jerome’s normal development. These things take a little bit of time to work out, I’m not involved in that process.
This news will come as a relief to Liverpool fans across the globe who are concerned about losing a potential star to a rival.
It is also exciting news that the player, unlike others before him, has knuckled down and continued to excel despite off-the-field issues.
“Jerome’s attitude towards training has always been outstanding and that’s why we’ve seen the progress from Jerome last season – because he turns up every day and wants to work hard,” he said.
In relation to rumours about Sinclair’s whereabouts, the manager said: “You’ve just got to be careful with the things in the press because people can hear a rumour and go a little bit too far with what the truth is.
“If anyone watched the Chelsea game last week they’ll know Jerome looks like a player who’s giving his all for Liverpool and we’ll keep moving forward with that.”
It would be worth keeping an eye out for any updates on a loan deal or contract offer from the club to Sinclair throughout the summer as the player steps up his recovery from this minor setback.
