'Olele' in the Mix!

As Steve Bruce prepares his side for a crunch trip to Middlesbrough this weekend he faces another potential selection dilemma. During Tuesday's uncomfortable 2-1 Carling Cup win over Hereford, keeper Richard Kingson covered himself in glory with a storming debut. He rescued the Premiership side on four occasions in the second half with top class saves and fully vindicated Bruce's decision to give him his chance after bringing him to St Andrew's from Turkish side Ankaraspor in the summer. Kingson – who is Ghana's national keeper – is the third shot stopper Bruce has used this term in five games. Colin Doyle started in goal before Maik Taylor was recalled last weekend for the victory against Derby. Whilst Taylor is in pole position for the trip to the Riverside Stadium, there is a possibility Kingson could make his Premiership debut. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Bruce ahead of this week's trip to the north east and found him in ebullient mood.

QIS RICHARD KINGSON A GENUINE CONTENDER FOR THE FIRST TEAM THIS SEASON?
AAbsolutely. That's what he's here for. He's not just here for the ride. We had to rely on him against Hereford. He made two or three good saves for us. And he will really give competition to Maik Taylor and Colin Doyle.

QFOR A MODERN DAY KEEPER HE IS ONLY SIX FOOT – SOME PEOPLE MIGHT REGARD THAT AS RELATIVELY SMALL?
AI don't count how many goalkeepers there are or think he is a 'big' goalkeeper, he is a 'small' goalkeeper. He's impressed us all with his athleticism. He's not the biggest but he's quick, and just a very competent goalkeeper. And he certainly now gives me a nice selection problem.

QWHEN DID YOU FIRST SEE HIM PLAY?
AI saw him play when he was on loan in Sweden in the summer. And I saw him play for Ghana at Millwall last week when he did well. He's a very good keeper. He's had 50 caps for his country now and played in all their World Cup games alongside Michael Essien. In fact, after last week's game, I just wish he could have kidnapped Essien, put him in his kit bag and brought him back to play for us on loan for the next four months.

QWAS IT A PRIORTIY TO GET A THIRD GOALKEEPER IN THIS SUMMER AFTER WHAT HAPPENED AGAINST TOTTENHAM IN 2003 WHEN YOU HAD TO SIGN ANDY MARRIOTT HASTILY WITH BOTH OF YOUR GOALKEEPERS INJURED?
AI've not forgotten that day we got caught out at Spurs when we had Nico Vaesen and Ian Bennett out, we managed to get Andy Marriott and he threw one straight to Robbie Keane. The one thing I couldn't afford to do was gamble. We needed a third keeper. No disrespect to Andy Marriott but he was thrown in the deep end that day. And I don't ever want to be in that position again on a Friday before a game, finding out that one of my keepers has got a leg injury, and we've only got one keeper. I remember having to hunt round and it was either that or throw a 17-year-old in.

QARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE COMPETITION FOR PLACES, GENERALLY, AT ST. ANDREWS NOW?
AIdeally, you've got to have two players for every position. And you certainly need three keepers in the Premier League. You can't gamble in the Premier League or you end up getting a kick in the backside.