Fulham's stand-in goalkeeper David Stockdale was pleased with his clean sheet against Bolton.
Shot-stopper enjoys second Premier League start
Fulham's stand-in goalkeeper David Stockdale was pleased with his clean sheet against Bolton after his inspired performance helped the Cottagers play out a goalless draw.
It was only the 24-year-old's second Premier League appearance after he was a late replacement for Mark Schwarzer who picked up a back injury prior to the trip to the Reebok Stadium.
And with the Australian's future in doubt following a transfer request and ongoing interest from Arsenal, Stockdale may be getting more than a taste of Premier League action after a superb display in Fulham's opening game of the season.
Since signing in 2008 from Darlington, Stockdale has spent much of his Fulham career out on loan to clubs including Rotherham United and Leicester City, but he proved to be a calm and collected presence between the sticks.
The back-up 'keeper expertly denied two powerful strikes from Bolton's Johan Elmander to keep the Cottagers in the tie.
At the other end Fulham failed to convert with Bobby Zamora's chip just going over the bar and the defensive duo of Gary Cahill and Zat Knight clearing everything which came their way.
Solid
On his clean sheet, the young goalkeeper told
Sky Sports: "I'm really glad for the team, I don't really look at myself in general.
"I'm really glad for the defence that it was a good performance, solid, no nerves and good all round."
Stockdale gave praise to his own defensive powerhouse in the shape of man of the match Brede Hangeland and also highlighted Aaron Hughes as an "unsung hero".
"I play with him (Hangeland) in training every day and you see the quality that he's got," said Stockdale.
"Don't forget Aaron Hughes, who is an unsung hero I think. It shows in the last two years where Fulham have gone and we've got a solid pair there and it was nice to play behind them and feel that.
"It's never easy to come to Bolton and get a point, never mind a clean sheet and a point, so I think the manager will tell you that for his first competitive game."
