By Deadly Submarine
January 31 2006

Tranmere have today confirmed that Liverpool defender David Raven has signed on loan until the end of the season. News of the possible deal was first announced last Friday afternoon but today the deal has been finalised and gives Rovers further defensive cover since the departure of Ryan Taylor.

 

Liverpool defender David Raven has today signed on loan for Tranmere until the end of the current season, ending weekend speculation about a possible move.

 

The 20-year old can play anywhere across the defence but it is thought he is more favoured as a right-back which is a position Rover’s Manager Brian Little has been looking to strengthen prior to the return of current loanee Simon Francis to Sheffield United in a few weeks time.

 

Since the departure of Ryan Taylor to Premiership side Wigan Athletic in the summer, Rovers have been without a permanent right-back, having used Paul Linwood plus loanees Alex Bruce and Simon Francis.  With Francis’s loan set to end before the end of the season, Raven will provide some experience of the right-back position until the season closes in May.

 

Raven will wear the number 31 shirt during his spell at Prenton Park but is not expected to take part in the home game against Huddersfield Town on Friday as he picked up a knock whilst playing for Liverpool Reserves last week.

 

Raven has made just one first team appearance for the Reds this season in their 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Crystal Palace earlier in the season.

Speaking to the Daily Post about Raven prior to the deal being finalised, Brian Little said "We are conscious of losing Simon in three weeks time so we have doubled ourselves up in that position.  David can play anywhere across the back four. If you are to lose a quality player like Simon it was important to go for another quality player to replace him.