West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Bywater has the full backing of manager Alan Pardew as he prepares for Saturday's play-off final against Crystal Palace.
The young shotstopper has grown so comfortably into the first team shirt that his predecessor - England international David James - seems a distant memory since his January transfer to Manchester City.
And if the pressure of Saturday's big game is like nothing the former Rochdale man has experienced, manager Alan Pardew has no doubts he will rise to the occasion in style.
"I feel he's creating an aura of invincibility around himself, and goalkeepers need that," he said.
"To concede just one goal over two legs of a play-off semi-final is a real achievement.
"The chances were coming thick and fast -- these are the sort of games where you see lots of chances -- but they weren't getting past him."
More on West Ham United atthe official site
Published Wednesday May 26, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article