To have Matt Murray at Edgar Street, even if only for a short time, is an honour for the small Herefordshire based club. But, if reports are to believed, to have a probable England goalkeeper at the club, could be history in the making.
In this morning's Express and Star, Martin Swain suggests that his long held view that Murray could become England's keeper in the next World Cup is still quite possible.
His performance last Saturday 'which left his temporary team mates speechless' will not have come as a surprise to the Wolves faithfull nor to Swain.
Let the writer explain:
And now, surveying Fabio Capello’s choices, there is still no-one who brings on to the pitch the same sense of assurance and presence combined with match-winning capabilities. It is nice to see sound professionals Scott Carson and Paul Robinson coming back from misfortune and Robert Green still challenging and young Joe Hart making a name for himself. All in an effort to dislodge the durable David James.
But sorry - Murray is better than the lot of them.
So back to my bet. We all know he is currently playing in League One because he has got a lousy injury record and he first has to utilise his Hereford appearances to get fit.
Assuming that happens, it’s back to Wolves where his career will go in one of two directions - Murray will re-claim the No.1 spot or be sold. The club is simply not going to be big enough eventually for all three; something has got to give.
After that, I’ve got 18 months or so for Murray to prove my claim that he is the best English goalkeeper and collect on my bet. No problem. If he stays at Wolves, he must be in the Premier League (and whether you like it or not, a Wolves goalkeeper fresh into the Premier League is going to get a lot of practice).
It’s a bit of a worry that confirmed Murray fan Ray Clemence has been replaced by Capello’s pick Franco Tancredi as England’s goalkeeping coach.
Clemence, I’m hoping, has left a memo for the Italian at Soho Square. Something about this really big bugger at Wolverhampton who should not be forgotten.
But I’m not giving up on Murray and my silly World Cup punt. Not only does he possess the talent to justify the bet, he’s a top bloke who deserves a break.
And as football will remind us a thousand times before South Africa in 2010, stranger things have happened.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Away At Radcliffe In The League On Saturday January 25th Kick Off 3.00pm