TRANMERE’S decision to stick to the rules over an international call-up for Ed Sonko paid dividends this week.
Gambia wanted the Rovers winger to travel to Africa for a World Cup qualifier against Liberia in Banjul on Saturday.
But the Gambian FA failed to give Tranmere the required 15-day notice of the call-up, the request was refused and so Sonko stayed at Prenton Park to fire Rovers’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy winner against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night.
Sonko said: “My club said they received the request late and so cannot release me. I think such requests need to be received by the club at least two weeks in advance and the letter for my release came only a week ago.”
Sonko said he understood the reasons behind Tranmere’s decision and hopes “that in future all parties will act on time”.
The 28-year-old, a summer signing from Walsall, is expected to line up in the Rovers side against Oldham and Prenton Park on Saturday.
Defender Ian Goodison misses the Oldham game while he plays for Jamaica in a World Cup qualifier against Mexico in Kingston. The Jamaican FA sent their request in on time, although only just, according to Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore.
Tranmere youngsters failed to make possession pay in a 2-0 defeat to Wrexham in the Puma Youth Alliance.
Rovers were beaten by two second-half goals at Raby Vale, leaving coach Shaun Garnett to admit his team lacked penetration.
Garnett said: “The boys have to learn that is a team they need to capitalise when they are on top in a game. We passed the ball quite well but not to much purpose. For all of our good play we did not get through the Wrexham defence.
“The two goals were down to individual mistakes at the back but the message from the game is the need to impose ourselves.”
Tranmere travel to Walsall in a Youth Alliance fixture on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Rovers supporters are invited to attend a charity auction night for Danny Moran on Thursday, September 18.
Moran, a Tranmere youth scholar, remains in intensive care following a car accident towards the end of last season. The auction night, which has been organised by his family, will take place at Fairfield Social Club, Liverpool starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £10 pand available by contacting Vicky on 0782 1299 758.
Funds raised will be donated to the Walton Centre for neurology, the counselling service Police Aftermath and the families of those affected by the accident.
