Imposing glove-man made close to 300 first-team appearances for Partick Thistle in his 10 years at the club and was recognised by then–national team coach Berti Vogts, who named him among the substitutes for internationals against Iceland and Lithuania.

League Two side Accrington Stanley snapped him up in the summer 2007 where he has established himself as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

Away from his playing career he launched his own line of gloves, KA Goalkeeping Products, in 2007.

Can you give me any tips on how to save a penalty?
Gio, via e-mail
Obviously with penalties all the pressure in on the other player to score, it can help to make him wait a few extra seconds before he can hit the pen to add to this pressure.

In terms of technique to save a penalty, the key is to wait as long as possible before making a decision on where the ball is going to be played.

There are a few indicators as to where a player is going to hit a penalty but these signs are right before he strikes the ball so its important to stay put for as long as possible.

The second or so before the player strikes the ball, you can get an indication of what they are going to do from what way their hips and striking foot are pointing.


Penalty King: Arsenal and England legend David Seaman

How can I improve my goal kicks so that the centre-back doesn't have to take them?
Scott Nicolson, via e-mail
Practice makes perfect with this one. The more often you can practice your kicking the better it will become.

To start with don't be obsessed with how far you can hit it, concentrate on making a good connection and hitting a crisp strike.

Practice hitting these to someone 20 yards away, once you are comfortable doing this you can start to add a little distance at a time by getting your mate to stand 25 yards away then 30 then 35 etc.

In no time you will be striking the ball up to the halfway line. The important point is not to try and hit the ball too hard as this encourages miss-hits, concentrate on technique over power to create a nice crisp strike.


"Can I kick it?" Just about....

What are the most important attributes a goalkeeper needs to work on?
Nick Wise, via e-mail
There are lots of important factors in goalkeeping, but footwork and movement are used in so many aspects of the game that it is really important.

Footwork is used to get into the right position for shots, for taking crosses and for dealing with through balls. As good footwork is used in so many aspects of goalkeeping it’s important to work on quick feet and sharp movements on a regular basis.


Spunky shows off his slick footwork