CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola shared how “it was a difficult decision” to select Neto in between the sticks for the 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

Club captain Neto returned from an ankle injury to record a clean sheet against the Magpies, the Brazilian making five saves to deny all of Newcastle’s shots on target.

In his absence, Romanian Andrei Radu had faced Burnley, Liverpool and Manchester City, whilst Republic of Ireland international Mark Travers was recalled from his loan at Championship outfit Stoke City.

With Neto returning to training in the build-up to the Newcastle game, Iraola revealed that competition was fierce between the trio, leaving the management team with a tricky choice to make ahead of kick-off on Saturday evening.

The selection headache was made slightly easier after Radu came down with sickness, however.

Iraola told the Daily Echo: “It was a difficult decision because I think this week has been the week where the goalkeepers have trained better.

“I think the three of them have pushed a lot. They knew that it was a very difficult decision for me.

“Andrei also wasn't feeling in the best way, probably some sickness.

“At the end it made it easier because I really I think we have three good keepers and it's always difficult to make the right choice.

“But it's not like next game is going to be like this.

“They have to keep pushing and we will take it week to week, the best decision we think.

“It's another position like outfield players where we can change one day, even the second keeper, the one on the bench, the one who starts.

“I feel it has to be this way because I think the competition makes everyone better.”