Stags keeper Logan shows his class to silence critics

The Irish stopper has been given some stick from a section of home fans, which manager Steve Evans said was unfair.

But some of Logan’s saves in the first half on Saturday should help silence the jibes.

Logan smiled: “I managed to get in the way on Tuesday! “You pride yourself on clean sheets. They add up over the season and thankfully it went our way on Tuesday.

“I was very pleased (to be man of the match), though I’m sure you don’t want a goalkeeper to get man of the match too many weeks.

“Personally it was a good evening for myself, though I didn’t have much to do in the second half.”

Logan is aware he has been under fire but said: “There are always goalkeeping coaches in the stands everywhere you go.

“People want you to come 55 yards for a cross in games or make saves you can’t make.

“I think I’ve had a decent enough start and, touch wood, I’ve not made many mistakes so far.

“I try to give 100 per cent for every club I’ve played for and I have always got on well with fans and had a good rapport with fans.

“Hopefully if I can keep up the performances like Tuesday night then it’s all good.”

He added: “People always blame goalkeepers or defenders but we’re a big team unit here and we win and lose together. We can’t affect what goes on outside that – people have opinions. It’s part and parcel of football.

“You’ve always got to have faith in your own ability. I’m old enough to realise you are the last line of defence and people look towards that when you’re conceding goals.”

Logan is currently keeping Bobby Olejnik out the side and said: “He wants to play and I want to play. It’s the same at any club.

“Everyone has respect, everyone works hard, and whatever XI the manager picks everyone is totally behind the team.”

Manager Evans was upset with the criticism of Logan, saying: “They don’t know about football do they? That’s not me saying anything that’s untoward towards supporters.

“Conrad’s performance levels have been very good and that’s why he was sought after by a number of clubs towards the top end of League One.

“He came in here to fight with Bobby and that’s what he’s doing.

“I was pleased for him on Tuesday. I think he makes big saves – and he’s made big saves.

“He made a big save in the Grimsby game but didn’t get much credit for it as we went on to steamroller them and win 4-1.

“Supporters can be unfair at times, but they have the right because they pay their money. They can almost say what they like these days.

“But I think this was a touch harsh and I think everyone in the camp did.”

Evans said Logan’s experience would help him deal with the criticism.

“When you’ve had about 10 million Glasgow Rangers fans around the world hating you for saving penalty kicks it demonstrates something,” he said.

“Conrad is a big character in the dressing room and the boys absolutely love him.

“Some days when it can be a bit down on a Monday when it’s raining,he comes in with a big smile on his face and he’s got his banter going.

“It’s the same with Bobby. They are good guys to have around.

“They always say with goalkeepers, from the greats to the lesser ones, they all come with a touch of madness.

“We have two goalies with that touch of madness. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that? I will be charged by the FA on Monday!”