Liam Lawrence: Connor Goldson is Premier League class
Connor Goldson was today hailed as Premier League class as Shrewsbury Town look to keep their prized asset for the big kick-off.
Captain Liam Lawrence believes the 22-year-old centre-back is better than Ryan Shawcross and Richard Dunne at the same age.
Lawrence played with Shawcross at Stoke for three years after the latter – then just 20 – joined from Manchester United for £1m in January 2008, while he teamed up with Dunne for Ireland from 2009-11.
Swindon chairman Lee Power said on Monday that their bid for Goldson was £175,000 plus a player – believed to be striker Miles Storey. Lawrence reckons Goldson is worth far more and is at least as good as Shawcross and Dunne.
"Connor is one of the best I've played with at any level," said Lawrence.
"I played with Richard Dunne at his peak with Ireland, with John O'Shea, and Connor's up there with him and Ryan Shawcross when he first came to Stoke. In fact, Connor is even better at his age than they were."
Lawrence also believes Goldson's homegrown team-mate Ryan Woods is destined for big things.
"'Woodsy' is flying and is a good footballer with a good head on his shoulders," said the skipper.
But the 33-year-old believes the pair need to at least see out their contracts to next summer.
"If they stay this season, keep their feet on the ground then the world is their oyster next season," he said.
"Sometimes young lads have a good season then sign for someone else but drift away. Connor's got people in his ear, but I've told him if someone wants him they'll pay the money.
"I've told him to get his head down and he seems a lot more happier now and he'll be fantastic for us."
