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Flitcroft impressed by Jalal

Image: Shwan Jalal: Hasn't put a foot wrong for Bury

David Flitcroft is hopeful Bury goalkeeper Shwan Jalal can solve his headache regarding who will be the club's number one.

The Shakers have used three different shot-stoppers this term already and Flitcroft has now reverted back to former Bournemouth 'keeper Jalal, who began the campaign between the sticks before being injured in a Capital One Cup game against Bolton. Rob Lainton enjoyed an extended run in the first team but was replaced by Jalal in October, only to win the starting gig back after three games. The League Two club acquired Rotherham's Scott Loach on loan in December and Flitcroft suggested Jalal may be jettisoned as a result but, in the same month, the 31-year-old was named as the starter against Oxford on Saturday and impressed in the 2-1 loss. "As a manager you're in a no-win situation," admitted Flitcroft. "I've picked different 'keepers, I've brought Shwan in, we're working with Rob and then I tried to bring Scott Loach and it didn't work out. It's something I've got to get right, we'll continue to work on it and try to get it right. "Shwan's come in and we played a (behind-closed-doors) game over at Bolton and he was excellent in that, we played across at Southport and he was excellent and steady in that and his professionalism has been excellent." Ex-Bolton stopper Lainton was demoted to the bench following the FA Cup draw with Luton and Flitcroft conceded that he was taken out of the firing line at Oxford. "I felt with Rob's mistake last week that it could affect his performance," he added. "Shwan's come in out of the cold and doing nothing wrong. He's done well, Shwan. "The games come thick and fast and you get an opportunity to show what you're about as a character and as a player. Shwan's had that opportunity."

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