Brendan Happy With Referee Choice

Brendan Rodgers has welcomed the appointment of Phil Dowd as referee in the play off final

The Swansea City manager rates Dowd as one of the top three officials in the game and says that the game it as big for him as it is for the two teams.

Brendan told the Evening Post "It's arguably the biggest game in the world in financial terms, but everyone involved has to concentrate on the game rather than what might come afterwards

"That's true for the players and it's the same for the referee, because every decision he makes could be a £90 million decision.

"I am happy to see Phil Dowd is doing the game because he is a top ref, probably one of the top three in the country alongside Howard Webb and Mike Dean, who we had in the semi-final.

"You look at those three referees and I think the games they are given tell you they are regarded as the top three in the country," the Northern Irishman added.

"In this kind of game you have to have someone who can deal with the big occasion and who has that experience you need.

"Phil has the experience and, when we have had him this season, he has been excellent.

"I think you have two terrific teams coming up against each other on Monday," Rodgers said.

"They are two teams who play the game in the right spirit and who are full of honest players, so I am sure there will be no problems for the referee."

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