Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has admitted that he’s disappointed with on-loan Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.
Quansah has been an important player for Barton since arriving in January, playing nine full 90 minute games. That would have been 10 but for a last-minute sending off in Rovers last game – against Portsmouth on March 18th.
As a result of that sending off, the 20-year-old will miss his team’s next three games. And in quotes from Bristol World, Barton has lamented Quansah’s dismissal, while simultaneously praising his abilities.
“It’s disappointing but also that’s why Liverpool send him here. To learn those lessons so he doesn’t do that in a Champions League semi final or a deciding fixture for them when the going gets tough and the trophies are handed out when he gets to the big time,” said the manager.
“He’s been a great player, but it’s another man’s opportunity. Jarell’s been excellent since he’s come in, he’s gone away with England and done well with them, got a goal and he’s come back and it looks like he’s figured out how to head the ball – he would probably be our top scorer if he’d had known that before.”
Quansah given big test
Ignoring the irony of Joey Barton decrying a player for getting sent off, this is disappointing to hear.
However, as his manager goes on to say, this is all part of the learning curve for Quansah. Up until this point, his loan at Rovers could hardly have gone any smoother – on a personal level anyway.
But with the first major obstacle of the youngster’s career now planted in his way, he’s going to have to find a way to deal with it. Given Barton’s words, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Quansah out of the side on his return to availability. How he handles another player potentially usurping him could have major ramifications.
If he meets it head-on and knuckles down in training, he’ll surely be reinstated before the end of the season. Clearly Barton has been impressed with the centre-back. Quality wise, it sounds as though he’s more than good enough to play.
But if the attitude isn’t right, you can believe that Barton is strong enough to bomb him out of the side. The 40-year-old is a lot of things, but for a young player trying to make his way in the game, his strong personality could be just what Quansah needs.
In the meantime, Liverpool will surely have been in touch with young Jarell to let him know their feelings on the matter. Discipline is obviously a big factor in making it as a top pro. If he fails to show enough of it, he’s got no chance of making it to the top. Time to prove yourself, Jarell!
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