JASON Matthews admits he has not always felt at ease on the touchline rather than in goal for the Terras this term but loanee Tom McHale has given him a sense of safety between the sticks.
The young goalkeeper has been highly impressive since arriving on a two-month deal from Truro City in December and the Terras’ boss gave him a glowing reference at last week’s fans’ forum.
McHale made a number of good stops in another sharp performance in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Banbury United and is expected to keep his place when Weymouth make the long journey to King’s Lynn Town tomorrow (3pm).
Asked about the goalkeeper, Matthews told Echosport: “I must admit, Tom has made me feel safe on the touchline.
“He has been excellent in coming for his crosses and his attitude has been fantastic.
“For me, I feel he has been a breath of fresh air and he has got some drive and that is good to see in a young lad. It has been nice to go out, do a little bit of work with him and see his hunger.”
Asked if he saw the same desire in McHale that he had in himself as a youngster, Matthews replied: “Very much so.
“You look at him even when he is warming up, he works really hard.
“I look at Tom and I see little bits of myself but I would definitely say that Tom was much better than I was on crosses.
“That’s a credit to Tom and I feel he has also made some really good saves for us, he is someone I would definitely like to keep.”
On whether keeping the young gloveman would be a possibility, the Terras’ chief added: “We would definitely like to keep him and Lee Hodges (Truro manager) is aware of that.
“Obviously I will keep in touch with Lee and see where that takes us.”
