Mowbray reserves praise for Kiely

Last updated : 10 May 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Tony Mowbray reserved special praise for ever-green Dean Kiely after the 38-year-old Republic of Ireland international stopper made a number of saves to help Albion to a 3-1 victory over Wigan Athletic. 

World-class saves in the first-half twice from Oliver Kapo and after the break from Mario Melchiot kept Albion in the game before goals from Marc-Antonie Fotuné and Chris Brunt secured all three points for the Baggies.

Kiely, who was only beaten by a deflected free-kick, was called upon for his first start of the season after a hand injury in training on Thursday ruled out Scott Carson.

"At 38, Dean is still around the building because of his professionalism," Mowbray revealed.

"He is very positive in our dressing room prior to games.

"He has been there and done it.

"When Scott damaged his finger on Thursday, there was no panic or anxiety that Dean wouldn't do the job because he has been there and done it before.

"I have been tempted to pick him during the season but I like to back my keepers.

"In my opinion, keepers have to lose their own confidence and belief to lose their place rather than me swapping and changing.

"Dean understands that and if he had been the keeper that started the season, I am not a manager who changes things because of one mistake and then has to go back and change it again because the keeper I have put in has let in three bad goals.”