By Peter Lynch

24th Mar, 2023 | 1:20pm

Everton coach shares 'extremely valuable' verdict on Andy Lonergan at Finch Farm

Andy Lonergan is “extremely valuable” to Everton number one Jordan Pickford and the squad as a whole, the club’s goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly told the Liverpool Echo.

Lonergan is Everton’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Pickford and Asmir Begovic, having joined the Toffees from West Brom in 2021.

He hasn’t made a single appearance for the club, but Kelly has explained just how essential he is to the overall setup at Goodison Park.

Describing the “extremely valuable” Lonergan, Kelly told the Liverpool Echo: “You look at the level of training and the standard that he sets and you have somebody who produces a standard of performance which drives levels up. 

“It is maintaining a high level of performance consistently through the goalkeeping department. He sets standards in training and he is an absolute diamond of a lad as well.”

Worthy squad member

It certainly isn’t the first time in his lengthy career that Lonergan has adopted the role of squad player, with the 39-year-old filling the same hole at previous clubs like Liverpool and West Brom.

The veteran is, however, seemingly well-liked at Goodison, and is clearly having a positive impact on Pickford, who remains England’s number one despite Everton’s struggles.

Lonergan won’t be expecting a place in the starting XI anytime soon, but with over 300 appearances in the Championship for various clubs, he boasts more experience than many other third-choice keepers, many of which are in the very early stages of their careers.

Having a player who drives training levels up may not seem hugely important on the outside, particularly for a player with no first team experience at the club, but behind the scenes Lonergan doing an important job.

Long-time Everton goalkeeper coach Kelly has seen many shot-stoppers come and go during his time on Merseyside, and his latest comments will be warmly welcomed by Lonergan.