David Stockdale is among the best goalkeepers Chris Hughton has worked with when the ball is at his feet.

But the Albion manager's main demand of his No.1 is to keep performing with his hands.

Stockdale made crucial late saves to preserve Tuesday's 1-0 home win over Wolves after an error chest-controlling Bruno's backpass in the draw against Preston three days earlier.

He pledged afterwards to continue his cool-head method in possession.

The issue of goalkeepers playing out from the back was highlighted by Claudio Bravo's blunder leading to a red card in Manchester City's midweek Champions League drubbing at Barcelona.

 

Hughton (below) told The Argus: "At Newcastle I had Tim Kruhl, who was very good with his feet. The Dutch and sometimes the foreign goalkeepers can be that way but Stocko would be right up there.

The Argus: "At our level he is very good with his feet. There are two parts to that, one his distribution, the other how comfortable you are on the ball when it's played back to you."

Stockdale seeks a sixth league shut-out in eight matches at Wigan today with Hughton backing his style.

He said: "As a coach it depends how you want to play. It's important to me, because if you have opportunities to change play from the back and a keeper that can fasten up that process then I think it's good.

"But by far the most important thing is what he does between the posts and with his hands."