Tranmere’s Les Parry hails ‘brilliant’ Jose Baxter as loan spell from Everton finishes

Jan 9 2012 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

Tranmere’s Les Parry hails ‘brilliant’ Jose Baxter as loan spell from Everton finishes

MANAGER Les Parry admitted Tranmere had to be content with their point from an entertaining 2-2 draw with Brentford at Prenton Park.

“I think the result was about right,” Parry said. “Both teams had periods of the game when they could have scored more goals. I am quite happy with a draw. I watched Brentford play against Charlton recently and I thought what a good side they are.

“You can see why they have won a lot of games away from home. They are organised, quick and strong.”

Tranmere, ahead through Martin Devaney’s fourth minute finish – his first Rovers goal – were trailing by half-time to goals by the Brentford strikeforce of Luke Donaldson and Gary Alexander. But the home side levelled on 55 minutes when visiting centre-back Harlee Dean deflected Danny Holmes’ right-wing cross into his own net.

Devaney’s early goal was set up by Jose Baxter, who signed off at the end of a three-month loan spell from Everton.

Rovers would like to have kept the talented teenager at Prenton Park for longer but David Moyes can no longer spare him.

Parry said: “That was Jose’s final game and the lads gave him a warm round of applause in the dressing room.

“I spoke to David Moyes. Everton have their own injury problems and there were other reasons why he has been recalled.

“Jose was brilliant for us. I can only thank him, David Moyes and Everton for letting us have him for three months. I was delighted to have him for that long. He is an Everton player and that’s where his home is.”

Parry has asked to be kept informed if Baxter becomes available for loan duty again. He added: “I think there might be some thoughts at Everton about finding him a Championship club to pit his wits at that level.”

Parry confirmed he is looking to make a loan signing or two before the January transfer window closes, with front players his priority. Rovers are resigned to being without target man Enoch Showunmi for some time yet because of a leg injury.

“That is the area where we want to bring someone in to give us options,” Parry said. “Mustafa Tiryaki ran himself into the ground against Brentford and was running on empty for the last 15 minutes. We don’t have anyone else in that position at the moment.”

Winger Devaney was making his first start since August following a long absence with hamstring problems and then chickenpox.

“It was great for Martin to score,” Parry said. “I was hoping to get an hour of him because he’s still not right and I was pleased we got 75 minutes.”

Parry saluted on-loan goalkeeper Paul Rachubka for making “two fantastic saves” in the second half. He reported that midfielder Joss Labadie and full-back Danny Holmes were withdrawn from the action with foot and hamstring problems respectively.