TNS goalkeeper Gerrard Doherty has been tipped to make it big after a heroic performance at Anfield. The ex-Derby and Republic of Ireland youth international, 23, made a string of fine saves to hold Liverpool to a 3-0 Champions League first-leg win.
"He showed how good he is, both with the work he did and his temperament," TNS manager Ken McKenna told BBC Sport.
"He has really matured and I think he has a chance of going all the way to the football league."
Doherty last faced Premiership opposition in the Welsh village side's Intertoto Cup tie with Manchester City two years ago.
He let in five goals without reply in the away leg, but McKenna insists that the experience benefited his player.
 |  Now everyone at the club has a better feeling for the big occasions |
"Gerrard was bitterly disappointed then, and was determined that the same thing would not happen at Anfield," said the manager. The keeper himself agrees he is a much-improved player these days.
"I hadn't played many games when I faced City," said Doherty. "Now everyone at the club has a better feeling for the big occasions and we can do better.
"The boys did themselves proud against Liverpool. If we hadn't conceded the third late on it would have been a great result.
"It was a nervous and exciting night, but we did well overall.
"Everyone's just looking forward to the second leg in Wrexham on Tuesday."
MMIX
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