Crystal Palace target Alex Bass backed to silence Portsmouth doubters after Oxford United play-off pain

The in-demand keeper has been backed to handle being under the spotlight and the questions asked of him after the play-off disappointment to Oxford United.

Bass was at the centre of the key moment at the Kassam Stadium on Monday night in the second leg which led to the U’s equalising through Ellis Harrison’s own goal.

Goalkeeping coach John Keeley cleared the academy graduate who is the subject of interest from Premier League Crystal Palace of any blame in the incident .

There’s been support from Bass in the wake of the incident, although some supporters are continuing to be critical.

Keeley has backed the 22-year-old to show the resolve and belief required to come back stronger and prove the doubters wrong.

Hey said: ‘Bassy is a really nice kid, really nice kid.

‘He’s a level-headed kid and nothing fazes him.

‘He’s got a self-belief, not an arrogance, but a belief in himself.

‘But also he’s a strong character and strong enough to deal with anything thrown at him.’

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