Keith Andrews hails West Brom loanee Alex Palmer after play-off success
Keith Andrews was full of praise for West Brom loanee Alex Palmer as he helped Lincoln City into the League One play-off final on Saturday afternoon.
Palmer, 24, joined Lincoln on a season-long loan deal from Albion and the goalkeeper has been an immense figure in their bid for promotion to the Championship, starting every league game as the Imps finished fifth to set up a two-legged tie with Sunderland.
He was absent from the 2-0 first-leg win after a “quite serious” injury picked up in training [Lincolnshire Live], but he bounced back to get his side over the line at the Stadium of Light, albeit with a 2-1 defeat.
Ex-Albion midfielder Andrews was on commentary duties for Sky Sports and he was stunned by a pinpoint pass by Palmer during the second half.
“That’s an absolutely outstanding pass by Alex Palmer,” he said.
Andrews later added, “He’s done well Palmer after all the pressure.
“He’s played very well and had a very good season.”
Michael Appleton’s side are now one game away from reaching the second-tier for the first time since 1961, a monumental achievement given they were in the National League four years ago.
Pinpoint Palmer
It was a brilliant ball over the top of the defence that nearly brought Lincoln an equaliser against Sunderland and served as another reminder of his talents.
The goalkeeping situation at Albion is up in the air this summer with Sam Johnstone linked to numerous Premier League clubs so we might have to source his replacement one way or another.
With other areas in urgent need of addressing, principally in midfield, a goalkeeper is unlikely to be on our transfer agenda, particularly after the progress of Palmer.
He has shone in the third-tier and the natural next step is the Championship where we are headed, so why not give him the gloves if Johnstone exits?
There is an experienced head in David Button who we could turn to if things go wrong for Palmer but we’re confident he has proved his worth to get a run at the number one jersey.
In other West Brom news, ‘Perfect’ – Mark Lawrenson claims ex-PL manager is ideal Big Sam successor for the Albion.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.