Dundee United goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima has been both criticised and praised by boss Mixu Paatelainen after his derby debut.
The Japanese international was at fault for the Dundee equaliser at Dens Park on Saturday when he attempted to punch a cross only for the ball to fall at the feet of scorer Kane Hemmings.
However, Kawashima had saved the blushes of teammate Gavin Gunning earlier in the game when he did well to mop up after the Irishman was short with a backpass.
He also recovered from the loss of the first goal to produce some fine saves and was blameless for the Dark Blues’ winner that deflected in off United defender Sean Dillon.
Asked for his view on how Kawashima did in his first match for the club, Paatelainen’s frank reply was: “Not well enough.
“Obviously, he made a mistake for the first goal.
“It was a crucial time.”
The big Finn was, however, quick to praise his goalie’s reaction to making the blunder.
Paatelainen added: “Eiji was the first one to hold his hands up and apologise in the dressing room after the game.
“He is a strong character.
“He takes responsibility.
“I know now that people will start saying ‘ooh, dodgy keeper’ and stuff like that.
“That is welcome – no problem at all because he is a strong character.
“He is a quality goalkeeper and we have every trust in him.
“Look at the way he responded.
“He did not go into his shell at all.
“He was there, he was strong and his hands were sure.
“So there are no problems there at all.”
Paatelainen, meanwhile, is adamant that John Souttar will sign a new deal to keep him at Tannadice.
The young defender/midfielder, whose current deal ends in the summer, had looked almost certain to leave after failing to accept the new terms offered him by the club earlier this season.
Souttar has been linked with Celtic but Paatelainen is more confident than ever that he will be staying with the Tangerines.
The United boss said: “We have a positive problem because the player wants to stay and the club wants him to stay, hence the contract negotiations that started a long time ago.
“The contract offer was on the table for months and, as everybody realised, eventually it would be taken off if nothing happened.
“Now, both parties agree that John should stay at Dundee United.
“The player wants to stay and fight for the cause, so talks will carry on.
“We will come to a solution – no question.
“Far too much has been spoken about something that happens all the time.
“John will sign for Dundee United.
“I am positive about that because I want him to stay.
“So unless a club comes in and offers us plenty of money…
“However, we don’t want that – we want him to stay here.
“He is an important figure in our squad.”
Souttar and his United colleagues have welcomed Robbie Muirhead back from his loan period at Partick Thistle and the striker will come into the reckoning for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Airdrie.
Henri Anier, who was initially expected to be back this month, is still at Hibs, with Paatelainen stating: “His loan deal with them is season-long but, before the middle of January, Hibs can decide whether they keep him for the rest of the season.”