Accident-prone Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes believes his high-profile mistakes are a thing of the past.
The 27-year-old Brazilian, a 7.8-million-pound signing from PSV Eindhoven in the summer, has enjoyed back-to-back clean sheets for Harry Redknapp's side – against Blackburn and NEC Nijmegen in the UEFA Cup – with Everton the next challenge at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
“My hip injury is now better,” Gomes said. “That was a big problem but it is much better now.
“It gives you more confidence as a goalkeeper because when every ball came I was thinking whether I should go or stay because the injury was a problem.”
Against NEC in the 1-0 UEFA Cup win that virtually put Spurs through to the knockout stages of the competition, Gomes saved smartly at a crucial period of the game when his side were defending their lead.
After his clean sheet, Gomes had a smile back on his face.
“I like to smile,” he said. “I am happy about the last two games. Clean sheets are very important for goalkeepers. I am very strong in my heart and that helped so much.
“It's not an excuse but the team did not start well this season and that is not good for the goalkeeper or for anyone.
“For goalkeepers it is a more difficult situation. I know I'm a good goalkeeper. The time now is very important for me and the people who have helped me so much are very important.”
