PHIL Parkinson today launched a strong defence of keeper Jordan Pickford for his “steely” character.

The youngster was at fault for the MK Dons goal on Tuesday but bounced back with a confident second-half display as City held on for a 2-1 win.

Parkinson was not surprised to see Pickford respond positively – and reckons that those questioning the Sunderland stopper should start to give him more credit.

The City boss said: “I had no doubt with Jordy that he would come back like that. He’s made of steel and is a real tough character.

“I think people forget the saves he’s pulled off for us this season.

“People link the headed goals we’ve conceded lately to him but I sit down and watch every one. Apart from the first one against Coventry, it has been other areas where we could have done better.

“You look at some of the saves he’s made; Crawley away when their free-kick got deflected, Walsall in the last minute and the free-kick on Saturday. He’s had some great moments for us.

“He’s a young keeper but he’s got a great mentality and that’s why we’ve got him here.

“Goalkeepers have got to make good decisions on when they come for things. You don’t just do it for the sake of it.

“That’s what he’s done well, he makes good decisions.”

Pickford spilled a free-kick from Samir Carruthers, which allowed Dons skipper Dean Lewington to fire home the loose ball.

Pickford later tweeted: “Disappointed with the goal but I reacted well after that.”

Centre half Rory McArdle was impressed that his keeper did not let that setback affect him.

“Their goal was a little bit fortunate because it skipped up in front of Jordan.

“But fair play to him, he still kept coming out for crosses and punching them. He didn’t stay at home and start worrying about it.”

City are hopeful that Ben Williams will recover in time for the weekend trip to Colchester. Matt Urwin was the understudy keeper on Tuesday.

Parkinson said: “Ben had sickness and diarrhoea which is obviously contagious so we had to keep him away.

“If he’s fit, he will be involved again on Saturday and obviously play in the Capital One Cup next Tuesday.”