Wark backs Scherpen despite criticism

Ipswich Town legend John Wark has backed goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to keep his place against Crystal Palace despite a difficult start in the defeat by Liverpool.

Scherpen was arguably at fault for both of Liverpool’s opening goals as Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak combined to put the Reds 2-0 ahead inside the opening nine minutes.

But Wark, speaking on BBC Radio Suffolk, felt the goalkeeper improved as the game went on and believes it would be “a surprise” if he lost his place for Saturday’s game at Palace.

“I thought he was poor at the start but he got better,” Wark said. “He had a couple of good saves. The goals they gave away were disappointing.

“I just thought everybody would blame him, that’s why they’re all picking on the goalkeeper.”

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