Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi said promoting goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne to the starting line-up ahead of ex-Socceroo Clint Bolton was just the spark the team needed and the 23-year-old is only going to get better.
Redmayne conceded a penalty in the first half of Tuesday's round-14 A-League clash with Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park but drew strong praise from Aloisi after the match, which the home side won 2-1 to move off the bottom of the table.
In his fifth career start and first for the Heart, Redmayne made some fine saves including stopping a header from ex-England international Emile Hesky late in the second half.
Bolton had played 39 consecutive games for the Heart before Tuesday's clash, but Aloisi felt a change was needed after last week's 3-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix.
Aloisi said the position was now the 194cm Redmayne's to lose.
"I came to the decision, and it was a tough one because Clint has been our best player for the past two seasons," Aloisi said.
"It's not like he wasn't playing well but I thought Redders deserved a chance. He'd played very well in pre-season and in training he's been great.
"I thought it was his time to get his opportunity and it was something that could spark the team.
"I sat down with Clint and Clint was very good. He's been very good with Redders in the last couple of days, helping him out.
"Redders played really well today. Let's hope he keeps on performing like that.
"We know what a good 'keeper he is and we know he can improve a lot more on today.
"You saw today the saves that he pulled off and just the presence he's got out there too. He's got that goalkeeper's body, that skinny lanky (frame).
"He did well and we're happy for him but we're happy for the group in general."
Redmayne, recruited from Brisbane Roar, also pulled off a stunning save just before halftime. Craig Goodwin launched a long-range strike on target and Redmayne lunged to tip it over the top.
The Heart host the Roar at AAMI Park on Sunday.
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