Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has been ‘excellent’ on loan at Lincoln City this campaign, according to Football Manager YouTuber and Lincoln City commentator Tom Kelsey.
The 21-year-old has made 21 appearances for the Imps, with the latest of those coming in their 1-1 home draw against Ipswich Town earlier today. While there has been a couple of mistakes at times, which can be expected with a young goalkeeper, Kelsey says Rushworth has earnt them a lot of points too.
“Carl has been excellent this season, he’s really impressed me with how well he’s done for such a young man. As a shot stopper, he’s great and commands his area well. He’s certainly been busier than other goalkeepers in the league, so he has been able to prove himself as a League One quality ‘keeper and I don’t think he’d look out of place in the Championship.
“He’s earned Lincoln a lot of points this season but has also cost them a few times. Sheffield Wednesday’s goal at Sincil Bank came from a poor Rushworth pass but it is all part of the learning experience” Kelsey said.
Rushworth spent time on loan at Walsall in League Two during the 2021/22 season, after making 23 appearances on loan at Worthing during 2019/20. The loans system is something Brighton have been keen to use to continue Rushworth’s early development to help him become ready to challenge for the Seagulls’ number one jersey, currently held by Robert Sanchez, who also had loan spells away from the club in his early career.
Championship loan?
Kelsey says there is areas of his game he can improve but that will come with time and a Championship loan could be the next step after this campaign. “There are areas that need work, his distribution isn’t always great and as he gets more experience his positioning and command of area will get tighter. I expect him to see him as Brighton’s number one in a few years’ time” he added.
Rushworth has plenty of time to challenge for that number one spot at Brighton and the loan route has been used to good effect with current number one Sanchez, who was on loan at Forest Green and Rochdale before displacing Mathew Ryan midway through the 2020/21 season. It can be done and following more experience in the future, Rushworth could follow in the steps of the Spanish international.
JG Writes 