Jake’s tactics pay off in Vale victory

JAKE KEAN . . . played a vital role as Athletic regained winning form at Port Vale.

HOW tough was it getting three points at Port Vale? Ask Jake Kean.

Athletic’s loaned Blackburn goalkeeper produced his best performance for the club to date, keeping a clean sheet and severely winding up fans and players at Vale Park on the way.

Kean (23) put in a wily show that belied his years, running down the clock by dropping to the floor after plucking crosses from the air and once even calling for medical treatment after a mild collision.

The world-class, one-handed save that denied Ben Williamson a certain goal can only have antagonised the Valiants further.

Clearly enjoying his time in the spotlight, the Derby-born player smiled as he described his antics.

“I was getting a fair amount of abuse from the fans, and even their players towards the end,” Kean revealed. It’s my job to slow the game down as much as possible. Good game management is probably the best way of putting it.”

As for that save, Kean’s training work with goalkeeping coach Anthony White is paying off.

“We work on things like that,” he said. “Sometimes, they hit you. On Tuesday night it was a worldy save but had it gone in, I don’t think anyone would have said anything with him being only a couple of yards out. But it was nice to make a save like that and get three points.”

Especially so after conceding seven times in his previous two outings at Leyton Orient and against Preston.

Kean admits goalkeeping can be a thankless task at times, with mistakes highlighted far more often than saves. But he is enjoying being back in the routine of regular games for the first time since making his 37th and final league appearance for Blackburn in December 2013.

“It was about me getting out of Blackburn rather than being there as part of the furniture,” he added.

“I played 40-odd times, had loan spells here and there and for whatever reason found myself out of the team. I wouldn’t say I came just for the experience. I would like to think I am more experienced than a 23-year-old goalkeeper normally is.”

Kean played for tomorrow’s opponents, Yeovil, on loan earlier this season: “I played five games and enjoyed my time there,” said Kean. “I did all right but they struggled a bit towards the back end of the spell I was there and since. It’s a similar set-up to here; the staff are brilliant.”

Athletic’s previous manager Lee Johnson had enough faith in Kean’s ability to go after him in the last transfer window. A permanent deal wasn’t possible but Kean holds hope something can be arranged for next season.

“I have another year on my contract at Blackburn and I would definitely consider a move if it meant getting out and playing games,” he said.