Tony Mowbray stands by Dean Kiely

Mar 31 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

TONY Mowbray has given his backing to under-fire West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Dean Kiely.

The Baggies No1 was booed by a section of the home support during Saturday’s 4-3 win against Colchester United.

The veteran shot-stopper was singled out for blame following Colchester’s first two goals.

But the Albion manager has faith in the former Republic of Ireland international, insisting that he has no plans to bring in reserve Michal Danek.

And he hopes supporters will get behind Kiely and the Baggies side in tomorrow’s game against Cardiff City.

Mowbray also cited Kiely’s record after he got similar treatment from a section of fans during the defeat at Barnsley in February.

“I haven’t detected any problems with Dean,” said Mowbray.

“The positive for me is that Dean is 37 - if he was 24 I’d think that (the booing) may affect him but I’m sure he’s been there before as all goalkeepers do at diferent periods.

“He’s big enough to take any flak that comes his way and I’ve every faith that he’ll continue in a good vain.

“He suffered it a about six weeks ago when there was a bit of negativity towards him and then he got four or five clean sheets on the bounce.

“The fans have got a big part to play by getting behind the players.

“Has there been a temptation to give Michal a run out? No. I don’t see any reason why.

“Dean Kiely is our goalkeeper doing, in my opinion, a job for a team that could go top of the table if we win our games in hand."

Leon Barnett will be back in contention for tomorrow’s game at Ninian Park against Albion’s fellow FA Cup semi-finalists.