Chance for another member of Adam family to shine

Football Writer

Thursday 6 October 2011

The gap-toothed grin gives him a strong resemblance to his sibling, and the 20-year-old Ibrox goalkeeper Grant Adam has the same ambition to match his elder brother.

Johnny Russell and his under-21 team- mates relax in Luxembourg. Picture: SNS

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Alison mcconnell alison.mcconnell@heraldandtimes.co.uk

Charlie Adam, Liverpool’s former Rangers midfielder, is with Craig Levein’s side preparing for Saturday’s Euro 2012 tie against Liechtenstein, while the younger Adam is ready to take his place between the sticks for the national under-21 side against Luxembourg tonight.

The Rangers goalkeeper had a loan stint at Forfar Athletic thwarted after just one game this season because an injury to Scott Gallacher required him to be recalled to Murray Park. It has meant that Adam has had to kick his heels for large chunks of the week as he trains alongside Allan McGregor and Neil Alexander knowing there is little chance of game time when Saturday afternoon comes around.In that respect, it has been invaluable to have a brother on the end of the phone who has been there and done it. Adam senior did not have the easiest of times during his stint as a Rangers player and his advice is keenly sought from on a regular basis.“Charlie has had a few disappointments in his career but he’s done well to get where he is now and hopefully he can keep progressing,” he said. “I talk to him every day as I’m really close to him and he tells me to keep believing and I can do it. My dad is the same. He talks to me every day and says keep working hard in training and I’ll get my chance.“I’m very focused. Charlie went to Blackpool and did well and he got his big move and I’m delighted for him. Charlie maybe had to take a step back to go forward if you look at where he is now. I went to the Bolton game when Liverpool won 3-1 and Charlie scored. It was a good game to go down to as he scored in front of the Kop. It’s incredible what he’s achieved.” Despite the fact that McGregor and Alexander are liable to keep Adam out of the Rangers side for the forseeable future, the keeper relishes the chance to train alongside them .“I used to watch Allan on TV and now I’m training with him, it’s just incredible,” he said. “Allan has been a big help to me since I went full-time. I can only get better from training with these guys every day.”Given the lack of first-team opportunities, tonight’s game against Luxembourg and Monday’s game against Austria gives the young goalkeeper a chance to play in a meaningful game.“It’s hard for me when I’m not playing week in, week out but that’s what happens in football,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next two games and hopefully we can take the six points.”Another player lacking first-team football who will be a welcome addition to the team is Danny Wilson, the Liverpool defender. Wilson has made five appearances for the senior side and David Wotherspoon, the Hibernian midfielder, believes the 19-year-old’s inclusion can only benefit the young Scots.“He knows all the boys so there is nothing different for him,” said Wotherspoon. “Coming back, he might be a little bit disappointed but I think he’s glad to be among the rest of the lads and he’ll look forward to it. It’s a real boost for us that we are strengthening our defence again.”

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Chance for another member of Adam family to shine

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