West Brom's Sam Johnstone is top of the stops – Kyle Bartley
Kyle Bartley believes Sam Johnstone is proving himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship following a string of spectacular displays.
Johnstone has been in outstanding form over the past few weeks with the shot-stopper making eye-catching double saves against Leeds, Middlesbrough and Charlton.
Earlier this season, though, the former Manchester United trainee took to Twitter to respond to critics who felt he should have done better in Albion’s 1-1 draw with Reading.
But Bartley believes it was always only a matter of time before Johnstone silenced his doubters.
“He is absolutely fantastic,” the defender said.
“He’s one of, if not the best keeper in the league.
“He’s got the confidence and we’ve seen some of the saves he’s pulled off. He’s brilliant.
“I think he’s been superb all season, People are very quick to jump on certain things.
“For us, we know the ability he has and we’d never question it. He’s a confident character. He doesn’t say too much, but he’s strong mentally. He’s brilliant.”
Albion’s last two games have seen them draw at home with both Barnsley and Charlton – two sides who won promotion from League One last season.
Slaven Bilic’s side are next in action at second-bottom Stoke on Monday in a game that has been moved from the weekend so it can be shown live on Sky.
But while the Baggies were disappointed not to take more points from their last two home matches, Bartley believes there were plenty of positives in the performances.
And he believes Albion will also benefit from some extra days rest this week.
“Barnsley and Charlton are another two games where we’ve not been beaten and shown a lot of grit, spirit and togetherness,” he said. “Hopefully in the coming weeks, we’ll get the rub of the green.”
“Next it’s Stoke and we have got time to work on our game plan.
“We know you can’t take any team for granted in this league. That’s been proven with the two games we’ve had. We’ll reset and be ready to go again come Monday.”
In addition to Johnstone, Bartley also praised striker Hal Robson-Kanu, who has scored against both Charlton and Middlesbrough in recent weeks.
The Welshman also made telling contributions off the bench against Fulham and QPR.
“Hal’s been fantastic in training and the matches he’s played,” Bartley added.
“He’s shown a real appetite to get goals and work hard for the team.”
