Mick Kearns is backing Jonny Brain

Walsall goalkeeping coach Mick Kearns has given his backing to under-fire Saddlers No 1 Jonny Brain.

Kearns reckons the 27-year-old will recover from his horror show in the 3-2 defeat at Rochdale at the weekend.

Brain is under pressure ahead of Saturday's visit of Swindon and Kearns believes his mindset will be crucial if he wants to keep his place.

He said: "Jonny is big enough to know they were two glaring errors. If he learns from them he will go on to be a bigger and stronger character.

"He's big enough to get over it."

Brain has been ever present following his summer move from Macclesfield but has yet to keep a clean sheet, with the Saddlers winning just two of their opening eight games.

Second-choice David Bevan is waiting for his chance and Kearns has told him to be prepared when called upon.

He said: "David is an inexperienced goalkeeper, he's not played many matches which happens when you're a third or fourth choice at a big club like Villa.

"When Jonny was picked as first choice I told David he has to be ready for his chance. I don't know whether that's going to be this week or not but David has to be ready.

"But when things like this happen goalkeepers come together and he's been really supportive of Jonny.

"That's really good for team spirit around the camp."

Kearns, who made 322 appearances for the Saddlers, has already spoken to Brain about his nightmare at Spotland and insisted they are moving on.

He said: "Being a goalkeeping coach isn't just working on the training ground, you can be a councillor as well. It's important you don't sweep them under the carpet.

"But I only spoke to him about it for two minutes, we're not going to dwell on things.

"That's the end of it."