WHEN goalkeeper Johny Placide did one of his heart-in-mouth magic shimmies inside his own box in the second half at Scunthorpe last week with an opponent breathing down his neck, defender Kean Bryan wasn’t worried in the slightest.

It wasn’t quite a Cruyff turn – although that is part of the flamboyant goalkeeper’s repertoire and has been rolled out to good effect this season – but it could have set the odd nerve jangling with the match locked at 0-0. Not for Bryan though.

“I’m used to it now so I don’t get scared as much – that’s just part of Johny’s game,” said the centre-back on loan from Manchester City after making the EFL's team of the week following a terrific display in the 2-0 victory at Glanford Park.

“He’s a very technical footballer who gets involved in the training sessions – he’s that good with his feet.”

The Haitian stopper has kept back-to-back clean sheets as Latics continue to build a head of steam to claw away from danger at the foot of League One.

Gorton lad Bryan, 21, added: “Keeping the ball out of the back of the net is the main thing for Johny which he is doing at this moment in time.

“I’ve grown up at City with goalkeepers who are footballers as well – that was one of the first things Pep Guardiola said he wanted when he came in.

“Johny kind of fits that status – he’s come in here and played football with us on the training pitch so we know what he’s capable of.

“First and foremost, he’s a fantastic ’keeper – the amount of times he comes out and collects the ball to relieve the pressure is unbelievable.”

Bryan also spoke of Placide’s influence in the dressing room.

“Johny’s a crazy guy but with a good heart and he’s a big character.

“He always gets his views across if he feels there’s something to say.

“He doesn’t hold back with that, which isn’t always the case when players come in from overseas.

“Some will kind of just stay out of it but not Johny, he’s a massive influence in there.”

When Bryan lines up for Latics at Gigg Lane on Saturday it will be the first time he has been back since a brief loan spell with the Shakers last season when he managed 12 appearances before seeing his deal cut short through injury.

“I enjoyed my time there and I’m sure the fans will remember me. It will be good to go back and see some familiar faces.”