Football
PA Sport 9y

Sam Allardyce: West Ham goalkeeper Adrian one of the best in league

#INSERT type:image caption:Kevin Nolan and Adrian celebrate the keeper's penalty save for West Ham United. END#

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hailed goalkeeper Adrian after his penalty save from QPR's Charlie Austin in the 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.

Rangers' top scorer Austin stepped up after James Collins was adjudged to have handled a Bobby Zamora shot -- but the Spanish keeper guessed right to block.

West Ham have won only twice in the Premier League in 2015 after an outstanding first half of the season, and Allardyce was grateful to his custodian.

"He's proving to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League on a consistent basis," he said.

"That's three penalty saves on the trot now. He's been an outstanding find from our point of view.

"It will spread fear across the league because everyone will know he's saved three on the trot, so people will be even more nervous.

"Your goalkeeper is the second most important member of your team after your goal-scorer, and he's shown that today by winning us a point."

West Ham's disappointing second half of the season has seen them slip to 10th and increased the uncertainty surrounding Allardyce, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

But he said: "A man of my age and my experience doesn't lose sleep over things like this any more.

"It's not worth it. My health is worth more than worrying about things like that.

"You stay awake at night worrying about your team, that's the priority. That's what you concentrate on."

^ Back to Top ^