Kevin Dabrowski has shared his joy at saving Nicola Pepe’s penalty in Hibs ’ 2-1 win over Arsenal.
The young ‘keeper kept the hosts 2-0 up when he denied the £70million winger from 12 yards.
Martin Boyle and Daniel Mackay had Jack Ross ’ side 2-0 when the Gunners thought they were back in the game.
But Dabrowski had other ideas, even though Emile Rowe-Smith pulled one back for the English Premier League outfit.
And the Polish stopper excitedly explained how he was “born to stop goals” after his big moment in front of a 2,000 crowd at Easter Road.
“I’m absolutely happy and over the moon that I could get some minutes, get trust in the manager, and show what I’m capable of,” said Dabrowski.
“I tried to wait as long as possible, and when I knew the player was left-footed, I knew if he was going to be clever then he will try and make me go early, but I stayed on my feet.
“I knew there was a bigger possibility that he would try and hit the ball to my left, because that’s what happens mostly with left-footed players.
“When I saw him running up, I thought I’m just going to go for it, and I stretched myself out as long as possible and I stopped the goal.
“It means for me everything (to stop that penalty). For me, I was just born to stop goals, it gives me a big job and makes me happy to stop all kinds of shots, like the penalty, I was delighted that I could do it.”
A save from an earlier free-kick was arguably even better, but Dabrowski was just pleased he could make an impact after being given a chance to impress.
He added: “Some people preferred and said that my save from the free-kick was better, but for me, I’m just happy that I could avoid those two shots and to make the saves.
“I’m just happy that everyone is pleased about this as well.”
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