John Keeley has told Albion's latest international star: "You are a credit to your club."

The Seagulls' goalkeeping coach was delighted with Wayne Henderson's display on his full debut for the Republic of Ireland as they drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic in a European Championship qualifier at Lansdowne Road last night.

Keeley, who was in Dublin for the game, said: "I'm so pleased for Wayne.

"It proves what a good goalkeeper he is. He has taken some stick but people should appreciate him."

Henderson made a brilliant pointblank save from Milan Baros as the Irish picked up a point to offer under-fire boss Steve Staunton some respite from his critics.

But Keeley reckoned there was more to his display than one stop.

He said: "Wayne has been a credit to the club. He played really well.

"I thought his kicking was good, his positioning was good and he made one hell of save towards half-time.

"The more the game went on the more confident he was looking. He has proved to everyone he can handle the big stage.

"I spoke to him after the game and he was absolutely delighted. He was so pleased with the result and the way the game went for him.

"All his family were there with him, his girlfriend was there. It was fantastic.' With first choice Shay Given already ruled out, Henderson got his chance thanks to an injury to Paddy Kenny in Saturday's 5-2 defeat to Cyrpus.

Keeley, though, reckons the Irish might now need to review their goalkeeping pecking order.

He said: "I think Wayne is better than Paddy Kenny but that is my opinion. If you ask Sheffield United fans, they'll probably say Kenny is the best thing since sliced bread. But Wayne has proved he can play at that level."

Former Albion defender Paul McShane earned high marks in front of Henderson, though he was second best when Jan Koller hit the Czechs' leveller.

Keeley said: "Paul was outstanding.

That was the only time he was beaten."