Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed reserve goalkeeper Matt Macey following his 'intelligent and focused' display against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night.
The 23-year-old performed well on just his second start for the club, keeping out the opposition in a goalless Europa League draw that helped seal progression.
Wenger is delighted to have seen the Bristol Rovers academy graduate take his latest chance, having filled in for injured back-up keeper David Ospina against Norwich City and Red Star over the past 10 days.
"I think he took his chance very well, he is huge, he is quick and you do not often find combinations of that size and that speed, he is very agile as well for a guy who is tall like that," he told the club's official website.
"He came late to us considering normally goalkeepers come at the age of 16, he came at 20, but he is intelligent and very focused. That's why I was pleased to give him a chance tonight and I think he took it already against Norwich and as well tonight he played very well."
Macey is expected to make way for Petr Cech when Arsenal head to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in their next outing.
Daniel Lewis
