Timbers boss Porter advises Kwarasey to fight for starting role

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey has been advised by Portland Timbers head coach Caleb Porter to work hard in order to win back his place in the team after he suffered a finger injury in April.

Second-choice goalkeeper Jake Gleeson has guided the Timbers to a seven-game unbeaten streak in the league in the absence of the Ghana international.

Kwarasey returned to training last week, with the club's medical team suggesting he will be fit to play next weekend.

"We're not just going to give Jake's job away when he's done so well. That wouldn't be fair to him. Clearly, he's done well enough to keep that job. But it doesn't mean Adam [Kwarasey] can't win it back, either," Porter told the club's website.

"In no other position, would we swap a guy out if we've been winning games and it's no different in the way I see it in the goalkeeper position.

"Can it eventually change where Adam wins his job back? Yes, just like it can change for any other position depending on Adam and Jake's performance," he added.

Gleeson has started 12 games for Timbers this season and recorded 59 saves, a 78.7 save percentage. Timbers have recorded three clean sheets in their last five games with Gleeson in post, and the 26-year-old was adjudged MLS Player of the Week on May 1, following his four outstanding saves to help Timbers pick a 2-1 win over Toronto FC at Providence Park.