Rochdale manager Keith Hill insists Hibs goalkeeper Conrad Logan’s Scottish Cup heroics came as no surprise to him after working with the player at Spotland.
In his first start in 16 months, the former Leicester City shot-stopper became an instant cult hero with a man of the match performance in last Saturday’s dramatic semi-final shoot-out win over Dundee United.
The 30-year-old, who deputised for the suspended Mark Oxley, belied his portly shape to thwart United with three one-on-one blocks before then saving two spot kicks.
Logan’s performance was all the more impressive given the length of time he spent on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon while on loan at Hill’s Rochdale from the Foxes in December 2014.Hill, who handed Logan a total of 25 starts for the English League One outfit, said: “He’s a massive character. He’s put up with a lot of stick over his career but the one thing is that he’s brave.
“He’s committed to three points, to winning. His connect with the teams that win is phenomenal and his shot-stopping ability is frightening.
“He’s as good a goalkeeper I’ve worked with and seen.
“He’s a great lad and he deserves his opportunity because he’s had to put himself through a hell of a lot – not being getting paid for such a long period of time and having to support his family.
“I thought he was magnificent last weekend and he deserves it because it’s been a long road for him and he’s an excellent goalkeeper. I hope this is the start of good things for him.”
