A former England goalkeeper who has worked with Jordan Pickford believes that the Everton No.1's self-confidence is the quality which will help him thrive.
Pickford has been criticised in some quarters for his demeanour in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old allowed himself to get involved with supporters at Newcastle when he appeared to lose focus and his manager, Marco Silva , has stated he wants to see greater "emotional balance" from the young keeper.
Some supporters have become concerned by Pickford's swagger.
But Chris Kirkland , who played alongside Pickford when he was on loan at Preston North End in 2015/16, believes the shot-stopper's self assurance is a positive.
“I trained at Preston with him. He’s an incredible goalkeeper,” Kirkland said.
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“He had a great tournament in the summer at the World Cup. He’s had tough moments at Everton this year, but all goalkeepers are going to go through that.
"One thing about Jordan is he’s extremely confident in his own ability.
"I’ve got no doubt he’ll get even better."
Kirkland won his only England cap against Greece in August 2006, winning his dad, Eddie, nearly £10,000 on a £98.10 bet he placed when his son was 14, declaring that he would play for England.
Pickford won his 17th full England cap in Montenegro on Monday and is in line to make his 80th Everton appearance at West Ham on Saturday night, having kept three clean sheets in his last four Everton appearances - including a penalty save in the one match in which he did concede at Newcastle.
