HAVING conceded just one goal in his last four games, goalkeeper
Jimmy Walker is forming an admirable last line of defence. But the
ever-modest stopper is keen to place the credit firmly at the door
of his defence, with young centre-backs Elliott Ward and Anton
Ferdinand earning particular praise from Jim.
"I can't speak highly enough of Elliott and Anton,"
he exclaimed. "They were fantastic at Stoke, playing against
two big, powerful lads they dealt with it really well, just like
they have done in all the games over the last few weeks.
"Since they started playing together we've gone seven
games unbeaten, and that tells it's own story. They know each
other well, they're good friends off the field and I think that
makes a difference when they play together.
"They know each other's games and they compliment each
other really well. It's terrific for the Club to have two young
centre-halves as good as them coming through at the same time.
"At 20-years-old you expect them to make a few mistakes here
and there, but they've been magnificent and hopefully they can
keep that form going right through until the end of the season.
"We've had a good run of clean sheets for sure, and the
whole team have to take credit for that - from the goalkeeper to
the forwards.
"Hopefully, I've done my bit to contribute and now we need
more of the same in these last three games."
Jim has been especially impressed with the maturity of the two
Academy graduates since taking over in the centre of defence,
particularly as it makes his own job a lot more comfortable.
"As a goalkeeper you just love to see your two centre-backs as
powerful in the air as they are," he explained. "They won
everything at Stoke. Elliott lost one of their big strikers early
on, but he didn't let it affect him and he just grew in
strength as the game went on.
"They've both got plenty of confidence, but I wouldn't
let their heads drop in any case because if I can keep them playing
well it makes my job a whole lot easier."
With Brighton sure to adopt a direct approach on Saturday, Jim and
his defenders could be in for another busy afternoon. And with the
Withdean atmosphere notoriously testing, he admits it will be a
huge game.
"Every game is massive now," confessed Jim, "but
we'll just approach it in a similar way. We're on a good
run, there's plenty of confidence in the side and it's up
to us to keep that going at Brighton.
"It's a difficult place to play, but we've been to
other difficult places and won, so there's no reason why we
can't do the same there. Our away record has been good over the
last few weeks and hopefully we can keep that going.
"Our mentality at the moment is all about treating each game
as a must-win and making sure we go out and take maximum points
whoever and wherever we are playing."
Jim's Keeping It Clean
22nd April 2005