Vital WBA: Keepers Corner

It is 20 years since West Brom goalkeeper Dean Kiely [pictured in his Portsmouth days] and tomorrow’s opposite number David James were both selected for the England U-17 team and the Albion stopper has remarked “Jamo and I have come a long way.”

Of course the latter has gone on to reclaim his England starting place whilst Kiely unfortunately has borne the brunt of the abuse from a section of West Brom fans looking for a scapegoat.

Speaking to the official club website ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Semi-Final Kiely said of his Pompey replacement:

“We went to Switzerland together with England Under-17s.

“At that age we were both getting our feet on the first rung of the ladder and trying to make an impression.

“I think we’d both be happy with how our careers have panned out.”

Turning his attention to the Baggies Boo Boys, the former Republic of Ireland international isn’t thinking about those that suggest he should be replaced:

“The criticism hasn’t got to me, it hasn’t upset me,” Kiely told BBC Sport.

‘My focus is on doing my job to the best of my ability and the manager, who is paid to make decisions, is happy. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest.’