Gunn takes heart from Pep talk

IT HAS not been all doom and gloom for English goalkeepers at Manchester City since Pep Guardiola swept into the club. Just ask Angus Gunn.

While Hart was cut adrift by Guardiola before being loaned to Torino, the future is bright for England Under-21 international Gunn, who could not have made a better first impression.

Guardiola gave Gunn — son of former Norwich keeper Bryan — an unexpected test during their pre-season tour of China, bringing him on for the second half of the friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Having been left crestfallen after conceding a late equaliser by Liverpool target Christian Pulisic, Gunn was the hero in the resulting shootout, gathering his composure to save three penalties as City won 6-5.

‘It was a bit gutwrenching when they scored with the last kick but I backed myself in the shootout and everyone was made up with what happened,’ said Gunn.

‘When I had a chat with Pep later on, he congratulated me and wanted to know about my penalty technique.’

With Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford absent from the squad because of a slight thigh injury, Gunn will be in goal for the Under-21s Euro 2017 qualifier against Norway on Tuesday in Colchester, a game in which manager Gareth Southgate’s forward line will be spearheaded by Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.

He was part of Southgate’s squad that won the Toulon Tournament in May and hopes the last few months prove to be the start of a journey that lasts as long as his Dad’s 20-year playing career. ‘He is a constant source of help and is always there if I need him,’ said Gunn.