Aston Villa loanee Sam Johnstone has been heavily criticised by supporters.
Aston Villa hero Nigel Spink has told BBC Radio West Midlands that he is prepared to give Sam Johnstone time to settle in after an uncomfortable start to life with Villa.
Villa ended the January transfer window with eight new signings, and whilst much of the focus has been placed on deadline day additions Neil Taylor and Scott Hogan, the first to arrive was goalkeeper Johnstone.
Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone looks dejected as Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga celebrates
The 23-year-old shot stopper had impressed in two loan spells with hometown club Preston North End, but had still failed to make an appearance for Manchester United.
Sitting as the third choice at Old Trafford behind Sergio Romero and David De Gea, United allowed Johnstone to join Villa on loan until the end of the season, with Steve Bruce deciding to overhaul his goalkeeping options at Villa Park.
Nigel Spink
Italian Pierluigi Gollini only joined from Verona over the summer, but he’s already been sent out on loan to Atalanta, with Johnstone taking his place until the end of the season.
A highly-rated goalkeeper, Johnstone was seen as an upgrade on Gollini, but so far, he’s struggled just as much as the Italian did in a Villa shirt.
Fans have criticised Johnstone following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, as he was culpable for both goals, particularly the opener, as he fumbled Jamie Ward’s shot to allow Britt Assombalonga to score.
Johnstone’s performances have left fans wondering why he was brought in, but former Villa goalkeeper and club hero Nigel Spink has told BBC Radio West Midlands that whilst the position has been a problem all season, he thinks Johnstone will become a ‘decent goalkeeper’ if given time.
“It has been a problem,” said Spink. “But I’ve got time for this lad, I think he will be a decent goalkeeper. Obviously, the first goal [against Nottingham Forest], he should have dealt with it, and he’ll know that, but he is an honest lad. I’m prepared to give him time,” he added.
What have you thought of Johnstone’s displays?
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