Liverpool Send Reserve Goalkeeper Out On Loan

Liverpool’s 19-year-old reserve goalkeeper Shamal George is heading to League Two side Carlisle United on a half-season loan, with the young goalkeeper expected to be given a chance to win the starting job. If he does so, it’s possible his loan could be turned into a season-long deal in short order.

For now, though, it’s six months at Carlisle for George, who is considered a promising prospect at Liverpool but who struggled with injuries last year that hindered his development. The hope is that regular action in the lower leagues this season will help to get the youngster back on track.

“It has been a dream for me to play for this club so to get another contract is a good feeling,” noted George, who signed an extended contract with Liverpool before the loan was formally agreed. “For my first year I didn’t have too much luck, I was injured for a lot of it. Hopefully I can push on and this loan can do a lot for me.”

Carlisle United, the northernmost club in League Two, finished last season sixth before falling to Exeter City over two legs in the playoffs. Their goal this season is again to compete for promotion and end the season in at least seventh position to qualify for the playoffs for the second year in a row.

George is expected to compete for the starting job with 23-year-old Jack Bonham, another player at the club on a half-season loan. Bonham’s parent club is Championship side Brentford, and as with George, the expectation will be that if he wins the starting job he will remain at Carlisle through the season.

“Game time is important for me because last year I didn’t play much,” George added. “Game time is the main focus. Liverpool will be watching me, so hopefully they’ll see I’m good enough and I can come back and push on here.”