Nigel Spink reckons Sam Johnstone just needs time to adjust to life at Aston Villa
The 23-year-old, who joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in January, has endured a difficult start to life at the club.
He is yet to keep a clean sheet with Steve Bruce's side claiming just one point from their last four Championship games.
Johnstone was at fault for the equaliser against Championship rivals Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
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Johnstone has endured a difficult start to life at Villa Park
He spilled a long shot from Jamie Ward right into the path of Britt Assombalonga to gift their rivals the equaliser on the stroke of half-time, which proved costly as Villa went onto lose the match 2-1.
But Villa legend Spink refused to lay into Johnstone for his fatal error by insisting that he just needs time.
"It has been a problem at the club this season," Spink, who made 361 appearances between the sticks for Villa, said.
"Points wise, errors have cost Villa goals this season.
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Johnstone signed for Villa on loan from Manchester United in January
"I have got time for Sam Johnstone though.
"He will be a decent goalkeeper.
"He should have dealt with the first goal.
"We know that, but he is an honest lad and I am prepared to give him time."
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