Sam Allardyce has hailed Sam Johnstone’s “absolutely brilliant” shot-stopping skills after the reported Tottenham Hotspur target shone during West Bromwich Albion’s vital draw yesterday, speaking to talkSPORT (15 February, 8.30am).
In a week in which Hugo Lloris’ longevity has been cast into serious doubt, following up the 5-4 FA Cup defeat at Everton with an error-riddled afternoon at the Etihad, the man lined up as his potential successor caught the eye for all the right reasons.
According to The Sun, Tottenham have identified Johnstone as a replacement for their 34-year-old World Cup winner.
And, on the back of another heroic display against former employers Manchester United on Sunday, Johnstone’s stock is higher than ever.
The 27-year-old pulled off a miraculous 95th minute save to secure a point for the relegation-threatened Baggies. And Allardyce knows, if West Brom are to emulate the Great Escape of 2005, they’ll need more moments like that from the league’s most overworked shot-stopper.
“Brilliant, absolutely brilliant,” Allardyce said.
“He’s as frustrated as me by the fact all these goals keep going in. We really do have to help him in that situation.
“That brilliant save at the end… we’re getting better defensively but he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.
“If we’re going to get where we want to get, we’ll need him.”
Even if West Brom do succumb to relegation, Johnstone will surely be offered an opportunity to stay in the top flight.
After all, we’d bet good money on the assumption Tottenham won’t be the only club watching his gravity-defying stops with keen interest.
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