JOHN Hill says he has full confidence in Paul Evans as Halesowen Town’s keeper.

Evans will regain the number one jersey for this Saturday’s trip to Loughborough Dynamo following the departure of Dean Coleman to Stourbridge late last week.

Coleman replaced Evans, last year’s player of the season, between the sticks when he joined the Yeltz in December in a move even Hill himself admits “raised eyebrows.”

But he says Evans’ ability has never been in question, while he also praised the stopper’s commitment in staying at the club.

He said: “I know a lot of people were surprised when I brought Dean in.

“But my stance has always been why should goalkeepers be treated any differently to oufield players?

“You are always looking to bring players in to put others under pressure. If you bring in a centre midfielder no-one bats an eyelid.

“But bring in another goalkeeper and suddenly it’s a statement?

“That was never the case, it was all about competition for places.”

He added: “The way Paul has conducted himself over the past few weeks has been fantastic.

“We know he is more than capable. I told him when he got his place back Dean would struggle to dislodge him anyway.

“He was just waiting for that chance and fair play to him, he has stuck around. I am sure he will go straight back to doing well for us.”

Hill had hoped Coleman would stay because he appeared to be enjoying himself at the Grove.

But by last Thursday he was resigned to losing him.

He said: “Stourbridge are a higher standard team and can offer Dean things we can’t.”

The Yeltz got a much-needed run out with a 3-2 friendly win over AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday night. Defender Sabhir Khan will miss the next two matches as he is on international duty with Pakistan.

Causeway United’s squad could be set to swell with manager Andy Mole in the hunt for four new faces.

United got their season back under way last night when they hosted Heather St Johns and they now visit Alvechurch on Saturday.