Bardsley backs Westwood

Keiren Westwood to for first Premier League start at Old Trafford as Sunderland's keeper crisis worsenes.

Bardsley - Old Trafford holds no fears for Westwood

Keiren Westwood is set to make his first Premier League start at Old Trafford this weekend as Sunderland's keeper crisis worsenes. Boss Steve Bruce is waiting to hear how long current No1 Simon Mignolet is sidelined for after having surgery on a broken nose which forced him to be replaced by the former Coventry man in their recent 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. And with Scotland's Craig Gordon not due back for at least another month and Trevor Carson ruled out with a back injury Westwood will be given the nod in a tough game against the champions. But former Manchester United man Phil Bardsley is confident the 27-year-old will not have a nightmare in the Theatre of Dreams. "Keiren's an international," said the 26-year-old defender. "He's played for Ireland and had many games in the Championship so he's a top goalkeeper, and he showed that on Saturday. "He had one save where he had to come up trumps, and he's produced a great save. "I was right next to Simon and I looked down when his nose was bleeding. I tried to pick him up, but I had to look away because it wasn't a nice sight. "It's quite sad really because he was showing some great form, but I'm sure he'll be back sooner rather than later. "Keiren looks like he'll get his opportunity now with a couple of games to come in and show what he's all about."