West Brom goalkeeper Dean Kiely believes he has the mental strength to help the Baggies beat the drop.
Baggies goalkeeper keen to play key role
West Brom goalkeeper Dean Kiely believes he has the mental strength to help the Baggies in their bid for another Great Escape.
The veteran shot-stopper was thrown into the fray for Saturday's crucial clash with Wigan and produced a number of important saves to help Tony Mowbray's men to secure a 3-1 victory.
Kiely ,who normally acts as back-up to first choice Scott Carson, was handed his chance against the Latics as Carson was nursing a finger injury.
And the former York, Charlton and Portsmouth No.1 insists that he is ready for action whenever he is called upon, with the Baggies now three points from safety with two games remaining.
Respect
Kiely said: "I am very strong mentally. I am really, really, really strong mentally. Even if things are going against me, it does not faze me.
"If things are going for me I don't jump around like an idiot shouting from the rooftops how good I am.
"It's not as if this is my first game. It is my 747th! Just because you have not seen me play on the pitch, the respect I have for myself means that I keep my own counsel and train exceptionally hard.
"So that means if you want to have a game in the car park, I can play you right now."
Sickener
Marc-Antoine Fortune netted twice for the Baggies with Chris Brunt also on the scoresheet as he followed-up after seeing his penalty saved, while Hugo Rodallega responded for the Latics.
Kiely was unhappy to be beaten by the Honduran's deflected effort and feels he may have done enough to give manager Tony Mowbray a selection headache for Sunday's home clash with Liverpool.
He added: "Their goal killed me with the deflection and was a bit of a sickener but I was very pleased with the double save early on.
"My performance poses a problem for the gaffer and I am glad that it does."
