It has taken Stefan Postma almost two years to impress Aston Villa boss David O'Leary, but he pulled out all the stops, literally, at Highbury last week. The big Dutchman produced a sensational performance as he kept Arsenal at bay virtually single-handed for long periods - even though Villa ended up losing 3-1. It was Postma's first start under O'Leary and while he didn't keep his place for this weekend's game against Fulham - he has caught the public eye. But the huge acclaim that Postma received following that game won't change him one iota because, as Ian Clarkson discovered, he will still be working at Tamworth on a Thursday evening.
Q:I UNDERSTAND YOU ARE TAKING YOUR 'LEVEL 3' COACHING BADGE - HOW IS IT GOING?
A:I am doing a little bit with Tamworth and have been working with the keepers on a Thursday night for the last month or so. Also, Villa's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele had an operation recently, so last week I coached the young goalkeepers at Bodymoor Heath for three days.
Q:DOES IT HELP YOU WITH YOUR OWN GAME?
A:You start thinking about your game a bit more and the things that you do. During a game you just do what you have done naturally for the last 15 years as and don't think about it. During training you can spend time working on your techniques and I am positive that it has helped my game. I now know why I am making the decisions I do.
Q:HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR DEBUT UNDER DAVID O'LEARY?
A:It went really well and I was involved a lot of the time - I didn't really have a chance to have a breather. I knew from Thursday that I was going to be playing and I could work towards the game. I was ready for the game I knew that Eric was going out with our other goalkeeper, Wayne Henderson early so I took the opportunity of going out early and soaking up the atmosphere.
Q:HOW TOUGH IS IT TO STAY FOCUSED ON THE BENCH?
A:You have to be strong mentally as a goalkeeper you are only going to get one or two chances and you have to accept that. But when that chance comes you have to take it straight away and that is why I am always focused in the warm-up, even if I know I'm not starting. That is why I undertake half time warm-ups as well.
Q:DID YOUR PERFORMANCE AGAINST ARSENAL GIVE YOU CONFIDENCE?
A:You never know if you are good enough for the Premiership until you start playing in it. Talk is cheap and you say that you can do it but you can't prove it unless you have an opportunity. I think that this performance against Arsenal will lift my confidence and raise my game even further. I now know that I am good enough for the Premiership and I can take the next step forward. I have been here two-and-a-half years and I have been growing as a player every day. I knew I was ready to go and play.
Q:WAS IT A BIG BOOST TO HAVE YOUR PARENTS OVER FROM HOLLAND TO WATCH THE GAME?
A:My mother and father have always supported me since I was young boy so when I knew that I was playing I wanted them to be there. It made me proud that I could play at Highbury and both my parents were there to watch me. They came over on Saturday by car and boat and it isn't too far for them.
