West Bromwich Albion Football Club News

• Nickname:The Baggies
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:The Hawthorns
• Capacity:25,400

Kiely earns Mowbray backing

14 May 2009 - 15:15:20

Click To Enlarge

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray has praised back-up goalkeeper Dean Kiely for his attitude during a difficult season.

The 38-year-old has stepped in for the injured Scott Carson, with his appearance in the 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic only his second of the campaign.

Mowbray told the Express & Star: "Dean had decisions to make about whether he wanted to play regularly, or whether he was happy to stay and sit on the bench and compete for a place in the team.

"Ultimately that's what's happened, as a keeper you always know you are one wrong decision from the keeper in the team away from playing.

"It could be a sending-off, handling the ball outside the box or bringing somebody down.

"You are always close to being thrust into the fray. That's what happened and, because of an injury to Scott, Dean did very well.

"If Dean had wanted to go he would have knocked on my door and asked me, I would probably have said yes to him.

"I wouldn't keep a 37 or 38-year-old and deprive him of playing football, yet I think he enjoys the environment he is working in."