LIVERPOOL keeper Brad Friedel is developing a poor reputation with the Anfield faithful.

But it's not the American's fault.

Eager autograph hunters camped outside the players' exit on match days have recently been unable to secure the American's signature.

As 'Friedel' left on Saturday after the game against West Ham, the cameras clicked and one eager and somewhat irate Irish father blocked Friedel's way, demanding that he signed his son's programme.

There was just one problem.

It was not Friedel but 'lookalike' Lancashire Evening Telegraph sports editor Neil Bramwell.

His explanations and apologies again fell on stoney ground and, having broke through the crowd, two teenage girls followed him away from Anfield muttering: "Thanks for nothing Brad. That's the last time we ask you for your autograph. You're not even in the team anyway!"

A close colleague informs me that, on hearing of the situation, Friedel said: "It is very flattering that Mr Bramwell is mistaken for me."

And I've also heard he looks more like a keeper than Friedel!

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