Graham Coughlan will have a clearer picture of Jordi van Stappershoef as a footballer after this week the Bristol Rovers manager said.
Coughlan signed Dutch goalkeeper van Stappershoef this summer as a free agent following his release from Dutch second division, the Eerste Divisie, side FC Volendam but has yet to play him in a competitive figure.
Instead the Irish manager has opted for his other goalkeeper arrival this summer Anssi Jaakkola, however with the Finn being called up by his country to face Greece and Italy in the European Championship qualifiers this weekend, Coughlan has little choice but to hand van Stappershoef his competitive debut in English football against Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night and then in League One on Saturday when Accrington Stanley come to the Memorial Stadium.
Young Frenchman Alexis Andre Jr will likely step up and take a place amongst Rovers’ substitutes.
Coughlan said: “It will be good to get to know the lad on a 90 minute basis. He has not quite had that opportunity or chance yet this season so it will be good to see what he is about and see how far he has come.
“You have to bear in mind his age, [23] his lack of experience across here in England. It will be good to see him play. He has played a decent level in Holland so he has got the credentials and he has got the tools.
“I just hope he relaxes, he enjoys it and he makes a statement because I love competition in the squad.”
While Coughlan said he hopes Jaakkola adds to his three Finland caps and impresses on international duty having largely been a substitute during his international career he said he would much prefer him to be donning the gloves for the Gas at Home Park.
He said: "My priority can’t be Finland it has to be Bristol Rovers. Yes I am selfish but I love it when the lads get international honours and it is a great accolade for our football club as well.
"But a selfish man and a selfish manager wants all his best players here and available for selection for the next game but it is with great pride that we wish Anssi all the best.”
Jaakkola will be back from international duty to keep the net away at Lincoln City on September 14 .
