Clyde’s David Mitchell believes the role of a modern day goalkeeper isn’t respected as much as outfield players.
The Bully Wee shot-stopper insists it’s a specialist position and criticism on social media of those between the sticks stems from a lack of knowledge.
He said: “It felt like total ignorance to me. The majority of goalkeepers now are really comfortable in possession and would happily join in training with outfield players.
“When people criticise goalkeepers who don’t have experience of playing the game then it’s a real kick in the teeth. It really bothers me because I’ve worked so hard throughout my career for everything.
“I’ve grafted for everything I’ve got in my career, so for somebody to criticise you like that is a slap in the face.
“Why shouldn’t I deserve to be called a footballer because I’m a goalkeeper? It’s like a dinosaur mentality and they’re extinct for a reason. It was embarrassing the amount of people who were liking it too.”
Keepers are now required to be comfortable in possession to build attacks from the back and Mitchell explained that even supporters demand it.
He said: “We need to be perfect with everything we do. We can’t get away with giving the ball away once but an outfield player can five or six times and not be punished for it.
“The way the game is now, I had to change the way I played when I joined Clyde because the gaffer likes to play out.
“The fans like to see us play too and I remember getting absolute pelters off them last season because I was kicking the ball long.
“I get that because I enjoy playing. I don’t want to be leathering a ball 80 yards up in the air for Goody{David Goodwillie} to battle because that’s not his game either.”
Brendan Rodgers famously preferred Scott Bain at Celtic over Craig Gordon due to the former’s ability with the ball at his feet.
Mitchell, who has played in every division in Scotland, said: “I never understand people who criticise Craig Gordon for not being good with the ball at his feet – he’s probably one of the best I’ve seen.
“There are plenty in the lower leagues who do that too, but it just doesn’t get the publicity that it deserves.”
