Tranmere can keep run going says Ben Gibson

Sep 13 2012 by Nick Hilton, The Liverpool Post

BEN GIBSON, due to sign up for an extended stay with Tranmere this week, insists there is better to come from the team lying second in the League One table. “We believe we can keep this run going,” he said.

The 19-year-old centre back, initially recruited on a month-long loan from Middlesbrough, says he’s delighted the arrangement that should run until January 2.

Gibson is making a positive impression in a Tranmere side turning some heads in the division, after collecting 11 points from five unbeaten games.

“It is a tremendous start but I would not say I’m surprised by it,” Gibson declared.

“We see what we can do on the training ground and we still feel we have a lot more to show.

“We believe we can keep this run going.

“We don’t think it’s a fluke. We believe we can kick on and do better than the performances we have already put in.”

Manager Ronnie Moore was keen to keep Gibson at Prenton Park. “Ben is a tremendous prospect,” Moore said. “He’s a winner and a talker.”

Gibson, who was in Middlesbrough’s third XI last season, also spent time on loan at Plymouth Argyle and York City during 2011/12 and jumped at the chance to step up a level with Tranmere. He’s taken the adjustment in his stride.

Moore said: “There were plenty of clubs who wanted to take Ben and it is good that (Middlesbrough manager) Tony Mowbray is prepared to allow him to stay with us until January.

“Unfortunately Ben has just signed a new contract with Middlesbrough, so it is costing us a little bit more to keep him here. But he settled in so quickly and so well, it’s like he is one of our own players. He plays with maturity.

“He has built up a nice little understanding with Ash Taylor.

“You forget that Ash is just 22.

“We have two young lads in the centre of the defence who have done remarkably well.”

Tranmere hope to build on the good start in home games against Coventry City on Saturday and Bury the following Tuesday.