Wednesday 6 January 2016 10:36, UK
Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen has backed goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to quickly bounce back from his difficult debut.
Kawashima flapped at a high free-kick on the edge of his six-yard box to present Kane Hemmings with an equalising goal in Dundee's 2-1 derby win at Dens Park on Saturday.
United had waited two months to meet work-permit requirements before being able to field the 32-year-old Japan international, with young 'keepers Michal Szromnik and Luis Zwick both struggling at times.
But Paatelainen believes the wait will be worth it and 72-times capped Kawashima will show his value on and off the pitch.
"Eiji is a wonderful goalkeeper and a strong character," Paatelainen said. "He's got experience, he is good in the dressing room and his ability is fantastic. There's no question about that.
"Yes, he made a mistake for the first goal. Every player makes mistakes and when it's a goalkeeper very often it is more highlighted than when an outfield player makes a mistake.
"It was unfortunate but we know Eiji's ability and we have full trust in him."
