Steve Hunter reports from Prenton Park

WELSH international goalkeeper Danny Coyne has been put on the transfer list by Tranmere Rovers after rejecting a new contract. Coyne, who could leave Prenton Park on a free transfer this Summer under the Bosman ruling, was left out of Rovers' line-up at Stockport, last Saturday, in preference to Dutch 'keeper John Achterberg.

Rovers' manager John Aldridge revealed the bombshell news at Monday's weekly press conference, at which he confirmed that Coyne, who has risen through the ranks at Prenton Park, was fit to take his place between the sticks at Stockport.

Said Mr Aldridge: "John Achterberg has done well and he will be with us next season, but we don't know what Danny is going to do. He has been on the transfer list for the last three months after rejecting a new deal, which he is entitled to do.

"He was offered a deal but turned it down and that has now been taken away. We haven't got a lot of money to offer, anyway. Danny has to appreciate our position and I respect his. I don't blame Danny if he wants to hold out and see what happens because he has that right, but we have got to try and get money for players who will be worthless at the end of the season."

As things stand, Achterberg looks certain to keep his place for the third successive game when Rovers welcome Crewe Alexandra to Prenton Park on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Crewe, second from bottom in the Nationwide League Division One, are fighting hard to avoid the drop and in recent weeks have picked up some valuable scalps, notably Bolton and QPR, while triumphing 3-1 over fellow strugglers Oxford.

Mr Aldridge could well be without key players for the game, including Alan Mahon on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s. The Irish have triggered the five day release rule, so the midfield starlet can't face Crewe.

"It is a blow not having Alan because he has done well for us. This five day rule is a total joke," said a far from happy Prenton boss. "Andy Parkinson has knee ligament damage, David Kelly is struggling with his knee again, Andy Thompson, Kenny Irons, Liam O'Brien and Jason Koumas are struggling, so I'll have to check to see how they are on Thursday."

Winger Ryan Williams, who impressed when coming on as substitute at Stockport, could figure. The 20-year-old, signed from Mansfield in August, 1997, for a fee based on appearances, has impressed in the Reserves. Mr Aldridge liked what he saw from him on Saturday.

"Crewe are on a roll and I think they will get out of trouble and it will be very difficult for us on Friday." said the manager. "They've been very fortunate to get Danny Murphy back on loan from Liverpool - they have done Crewe a huge favour because Murphy is a very good player."

Mr Aldridge admitted he was "very frustrated" with his side's performance in front of goal during Saturday's goalless draw at Stockport.

Rovers' strikers squandered several good opportunities and Stockport goalkeeper Carlo Nash enjoyed an inspired afternoon. There was a 'bust up' in the dying moments of the game between Tranmere club captain David Kelly and centre back John McGreal after Stockport almost scored a late winner following a corner.

Mr Aldridge, dismissing the incident as anything sinister, reflected: "It was nothing really - I like to see that with players because it shows it means something. We don't do enough shouting at each other and that was probably the first time we hit the target on Saturday!" joked the Rovers boss.

Mr Aldridge was hoping for talks with loan signing Paul Shepherd, who made his debut on Saturday, before he returned to Leeds United yesterday. Tranmere can't afford any permanent deal, but would like the player on a further loan period.

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