Mellon enthuses about new 'keeper ahead of Tranmere's opener

That's the view of Rovers boss Micky Mellon, who snapped up Ross Doohan on a season long loan from Celtic this week.

The returning Prenton Park boss confirmed that the move was an entirely necessary one after revealing that regular number one and club captain, Scott Davies, has undergone a second operation on his Achilles injury this week, which will keep him out of action for several months to come.

Speaking about 23-year-old Doohan at his first pre-match press conference of the season, Mellon said: "In my opinion, he's one of the best young goalkeepers in Scotland.

New Tranmere goalkeeper, Roos Doohan

"My old goalkeeping coach, Neil Alexander at Dundee United, used to rave about him and say how much potential that he has.

"He played for me at Dundee United and was just fabulous, so I got to know him really well.

"And when I found out with Scotty's injury that we needed a replacement, he was the first one that I thought of right away.

"He's at a good age and I can bring him down to continue his development going forward. Celtic rate him very highly.

"So in him and Joe, we have two very capable goalkeepers. I'm delighted to have him here."

Tranmere's starting XI against the Saddlers will be barely recognisable to the one that Mellon left behind after the curtailment of the 2019/20 season.

Many new faces have arrived, but the Rovers boss is all to aware that needs to get more bodies through the door.

He said: "Of course, we're a wee bit low on numbers, but it's about finding the right quality in the talent pool that we're shopping in. It's important for everybody to understand that.

"We will try our best to get the best that we can, but we've still got some time left and hopefully we can do that."

It's not just deals for new players the Mellon has been trying to get over the line. Plans to relocate his family south of the border into a permanent home on the Wirral are taking longer than he would have wished.

"Anyone who's trying to move house at the moment will tell you how difficult it is. That's stringing along frustratingly," he said.

"My wife and the one daughter that I've got at home now, and the dogs and soon the horse - they're back on the Wirral now. That's great and they're all really enjoying being here, but we'd like the house completion to move on so we can get a little closer to getting in it, definitely."

Tranmere will face Matthew Taylor's Walsall side in front of a crowd in excess of 5,500 for the first time since early 2020 and excited supporters will be desperate to get off to a positive start.

As well as Scott Davies, Rovers will be without left backs Calum MacDonald and Joe MaGuire, but midfielder Keiron Morris is set to return to the squad and will be available for selection.

Mellon added: "The players are at that stage where the football friendlies are done now, they're shadow boxing really. They're ready to get competing for valuable points.

"It will be great to get back to Prenton Park. It's time to get it on now."