Cherries: Jalal can steal Kasper's limelight

27 November 2009 07:00
NEIL Moss believes his protégé Shwan Jalal could cut the mustard at a higher level with the Cherries star preparing to do battle with big-name Notts County counterpart Kasper Schmeichel.[LNB] Cherries goalkeeping coach Moss is a big fan of Jalal and he reckons the Dean Court number one would not look out of place in League One or the Championship.[LNB] With the spotlight likely to be on the two highly-rated goalkeepers when Cherries meet moneybags Magpies tomorrow (3pm), Moss has backed his man to do the business.[LNB] Schmeichel, son of Manchester United legend Peter, comes with a big reputation, but Jalal is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in League Two and he proved why when earning a clean sheet in Tuesday's top-of-the-table clash against Dagenham and Redbridge.[LNB] Moss, who plied his trade in the lower divisions with Cherries as well as in the top-flight with Saints, told the Echo: I think there's been no goalkeeper I've seen (this season) who is better than Jal.[LNB] I look at League One and even the Championship and I strongly believe Jal would more than hold his own.[LNB] He's experienced, he's a great age for a goalkeeper and he's still young enough to learn and improve.[LNB] Moss, the fans' favourite who was forced to hang up his gloves in July 2008 because of a persistent wrist injury, puts Jalal's impressive displays down to confidence.[LNB] His kicking is outstanding and he's turning into a very confident goalkeeper, he said.[LNB] You can be the best technically but if you are not confident then you can look like the worst goalkeeper in the world.[LNB] He's put the hours in and you can see the confidence oozing out of him.[LNB] The back four wouldn't be able to play well if they hadn't got a good, confident goalkeeper behind them.[LNB] If you spoke to the defenders, I'm sure they'd be delighted with the way their goalkeeper has been playing behind them.[LNB] Schmeichel made a shock move to Meadow Lane during the summer as he became one of County's highest-profile signings when he transferred from Premier League big-guns Manchester City.[LNB] Since then, the former Denmark under-21 star has established himself in the team and claimed October's League Two player of the month award.[LNB] Moss added: I'm surprised he dropped down to League Two because it's a lot more difficult than players think it's going to be.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo