With talk of one of Niemi or Smith moving on this summer, there may well be opportunities for Blayney at St. Mary’s next season. However, McGhee’s comments indicate that Saints would be willing to let the 23 year old move on, particularly in light of the decision to bring in Kasey Keller on ‘emergency’ loan during Smith and Niemi’s combined absence through injury last season.
Things looked promising for Blayney at the end of the 2003/4 season with a handful of first-team appearances and that save against Newcastle’s Alan Shearer that earned him the Sky Sports save of the season. However, despite starting the next season as second choice, Blayney has fallen behind Smith in the Saints pecking order.