Battle on for keeper’s jersey at Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town goalkeeper Scott Shearer could be ready to face Accrington Stanley tomorrow – but he may have a giant obstacle in his way in the giant frame of Brian Jensen.
Notts County v Mansfield Town
English League Football - Sky Bet League Two
Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham, England.
14th August 2015

Mansfield Town goalkeeper Brian Jensen is all smiles as he leaves the pitch after the 2-0 win.

Picture by Dan WestwellNotts County v Mansfield Town
English League Football - Sky Bet League Two
Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham, England.
14th August 2015

Mansfield Town goalkeeper Brian Jensen is all smiles as he leaves the pitch after the 2-0 win.

Picture by Dan Westwell
Notts County v Mansfield Town English League Football - Sky Bet League Two Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham, England. 14th August 2015 Mansfield Town goalkeeper Brian Jensen is all smiles as he leaves the pitch after the 2-0 win. Picture by Dan Westwell

Stags’ experienced Danish goalkeeping coach came in on Friday when Shearer was ruled out with an ankle problem and more than played his part in the stunning 2-0 win at Notts County.

Now he may find a real fight on his hands to get the shirt back as Mansfield manager Adam Murray said there had never been any suggestion Shearer was number one choice of the two quality keepers.

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To read the full Accrington preview click HEREHe also said Shearer’s ankle problem, wasn’t a conventional injury.

“It’s a weird one,” said Murray. “He’s picked up some kind of virus that has affected his ankle. His ankle has blown up but he hasn’t got a knock on it injury-wise. It was just a little bit sore because of the swelling.

“We will assess him today but we are hoping he will be okay.

“I don’t think we could ask for anybody better to come in to fill the shoes (than Brian Jensen). It’s always the case at the start of the season, the way this game is, that people read into things and over-read into things and it does make me giggle. Brian came in as goalkeeper coach, but if he does get the shirt, good luck trying to get it back because he is a professional. He wants to play. He wants to be number one.

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“Him and Shears have got an unbelievable relationship where they are good mates, they push each other every day on the training ground. Both have ridiculous bags of experience and ability.

“So now it’s a headache for me as we have two top class keepers and Friday night, having Brian go in on that occasion, it was massive for the back four. It helped settle them down and compose them and he made some super decisions.”

Murray added: “I may be wrong here but I can’t remember if I have ever come out in black and white and said Scott Shearer will be number one for the whole season. I did say Brian Jensen would be goalkeeper coach. Read into that what you want.

“But after two days I had a conversation with Brian and he wasn’t happy that people thought he was number two. That’s the type of character he is. They will push each other all season and the best goalkeeper will play.”