DANNY Cowley says he always knew Owen Goodman would make a crucial penalty save in Colchester United’s 1-1 draw with Sutton United.

And the U’s boss has praised his goalkeeper’s mindset, after he bounced back from recent setbacks to emerge the hero at Gander Green Lane.

Goodman helped Colchester claim a point at the weekend after saving Harry Smith’s 80th-minute penalty against League Two’s bottom side.

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It was a big moment for the Crystal Palace loanee, who had come in for criticism following goals conceded in recent matches against Harrogate Town and Forest Green Rovers.

Cowley has revealed he did not speak to Goodman after the goal at Harrogate, which saw Jack Muldoon score from the rebound after the U’s goalkeeper had failed to hold onto Matt Daly’s strike.

And the U’s head coach has described the young shot-stopper as an ‘elite goalkeeper’, praising the 20-year-old’s mindset.

Cowley said: “I knew he’d save it – that’s why I was calm and getting a sub ready.

Gazette: Danny Cowley

“I watch him every day in training and he’s so fast, across his goal-line.

“He has such a high level of athleticism and I’m so pleased for him, because he’s had a couple of difficult moments recently and it’s easy to criticise.

“He made the mistake after Forest Green and he was a little bit disappointed with the Harrogate goal.

“But after the Harrogate game, I didn’t speak to him.

“Some players, I feel the need to do that but I just think he’s an elite goalkeeper.

“He’s got a really good mindset and I think he’s a boy who doesn’t get too low when he has disappointment and doesn’t get too high when he has a moment like the penalty save.

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“That is why he can ultimately almost manage himself and doesn’t need too much input from me.”

Cowley says he was pleased to welcome Mandela Egbo back after the defender came on as a second-half substitute at Sutton to make his first appearance in nearly two months, following a knee injury.

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“It was so good to have Manny back,” added Cowley.

“He brings us experience, I think he’s an organised player, he does the basics well and I think he brings leadership, which is really important.”