KEEPER COMPETITION

Anthony Patterson finds himself in a tricky situation this season. He's pretty much been our number one keeper ever since breaking into the side in League One but now, with the immense form of Robin Roefs, he's struggled for game time. He hasn't made an appearance in the Premier League despite actually being named Man of the Match in the play-off final. Regis Le Bris spoke about what Patto needs to do and how competition is healthy in every single position.

UNIQUE POSITION

“The goalkeeper’s position is a bit different to anywhere else on the pitch. It is a maybe a bit similar for the centre-halves as well, because you really need an injury to be able to come back into the game if you are not starting. The same is probably true of a goalkeeper. In the other positions, you can sub easily, but that doesn’t really happen with a goalkeeper."

CLEAR ROLE

"If you are a striker, then you will probably get chances in games. The position for a number two goalkeeper is a bit different. So, for Anthony, I think the reality at the minute is really clear for him. I think that is important because we all know the situation."

TIME TO LEARN

"He remains really positive. He played a lot last season and the season before that, so his role is a bit different now. But he can learn. That is what he has to do. The goalkeeper’s life is a bit longer than most other players – they tend to play until they are a bit older – so you have time."

DIFFERENT STRENGTHS

"You can enjoy a new situation and learn behind a really strong goalkeeper, with different qualities. If Robin is better in one area, then maybe he can help Patto to become better in that part of his game. Then, later in his career – and maybe this season, because we don’t know what might happen – he can be ready to be competitive.”