Adkins backs Gazzaniga for Southampton

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins believes Paulo Gazzaniga will be a top goalkeeper despite his costly mistake against Norwich at St Mary’s.

The Argentine let Robert Snodgrass’ free-kick squirm through his grasp and into the net on the stroke of half-time, which allowed Norwich a share of the spoils in their Premier League clash.

But Adkins has stuck by the 20-year-old and admitted he would not be dropped as punishment.

“I’ve got every confidence in Paulo Gazzaniga. He is going to be a top, top keeper,” Adkins said.

“Paulo has got the shirt. He made a mistake the other night, but Paulo is great because he is only 20 and he’s been big enough to stand up and say ‘Yeah, I messed up there’, but it hasn’t fazed him and that is the important thing.

“He has a growing confidence about himself and that’s an important thing for us. He’s got to be allowed to make mistakes so he learns, just don’t make the same one.

“He is going to grow in strength. Time will tell if we can afford to let him make those mistakes in the Premier League.

“Keepers are under unique pressures as every situation, every goal, every mistake you make is always going to be highlighted more than the saves you make, because you are expected to make them.

“But as a team I think we have been growing as a team and if you look at all the points we have amassed this season he has been in goal for all of them.”