---
title: "Bruce gives young keeper his backing"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/02/06/bruce-gives-young-keeper-backing/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sheldon Muchmore"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2017-02-06T22:00:43Z"
modified: "2017-02-06T22:11:04Z"
---

# Bruce gives young keeper his backing

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has defended Sam Johnstone after he put in yet another horror show in between the sticks against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

Villa looked like they would be heading into the interval one goal ahead, but with 43 minutes on the clock, Johnstone fumbled a speculative long-range Jamie Ward effort, which allowed Assombalonga to score a tap in. Then, in the 93rd minute, with the game seemingly heading towards a 1-1 draw, Johnstone was beaten at his near post by 17-year-old Ben Brereton.

After the game, Steve Bruce told the club’s official [website](https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/02/04/the-boss-forest-away) that he believes Johnstone will learn from his mistakes and will bounce back.

> “He’s a young goalkeeper and he’s obviously disappointed – of course he will be,” said Bruce. “That’s the makings of a young goalkeeper. All of us have got to bounce back from it and see if we can turn things around.”

Johnstone played a blinder on his debut against Spurs in the FA Cup, but since then he has been shaky and indecisive at the back, and has cost Villa vital points with his unforced errors. When he is in goal, it is clear to see that his obvious nervousness has a negative effect on the performances of the Villa defenders.

As a result of his constant blunders, fans have been questioning the decision to get rid of Gollini in favour of Johnstone. Bruce may be quick to defend his young keeper, but the fans are less forgiving, and many are already calling for Mark Bunn to be returned to the starting XI.

Would you rather see Johnstone or Bunn in goal for Villa? Vote in the poll below.