Chelsea journalist hails Hartlepool United's Max Merrick as 'a really accomplished young goalkeeper'

Merrick became one of the club's 14 summer recruits when he joined on a season-long loan deal from the Premier League heavyweights last month and has featured in each of his new side's last two pre-season friendlies.

Although the 20-year-old was perhaps a little fortunate not to have been sent off three minutes into Saturday's impressive 1-0 win over League Two Fleetwood Town after appearing to handle the ball outside the area following a mix-up with Maxim Kouogun, he grew in stature as the game progressed and made several excellent saves to preserve a well-deserved clean sheet.