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The BBC adjudged Trinidad and Tobago international Shaka Hislop the most outstanding England Premier League goalkeeper on the weekend after keeping a clean sheet in Portsmouth's surprise 2-0 win over Manchester United at Fratton Park.


Hislop joined central defender and "Pompey" teammate Arjun De Zeeuw as well as 2004 European Championship top scorer Milan Baros (Liverpool), England midfield star Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) among the shortlist from last weekend's action.

The BBC Sport panel selected the 35-year-old T&T custodian for his safe hands ahead of Antti Niemi (Southampton and Finland) and Chris Kirkland (Liverpool and England).

It was Hislop's first such accolade of this season, although he was similarly honoured last year.

The veteran noted the irony of the media recognition, though.

"I did not have that much to do to be honest," said Hislop. "(Manchester United) did have a lot of shots in the first 15 minutes but not many of them were on target and we coped well after that.

"But then there will be times when I do well and still get blamed because we conceded goals. So I suppose I should take the praise when it comes."

Remarkably, it was the second win and clean sheet from as many Premiership meetings for Portsmouth at home to United.

Last season, Pompey edged the "Red Devils" 1-0 at Fratton Park and Hislop explained that the three points were more valuable then.

"The win last season was a lot bigger and better because we were staring relegation in the face," he said. "This time around, we have started off strongly and we were actually on a five-match unbeaten run when we played them. So, on Saturday, it was just another game where we did well and got three points."

Hislop also credited Portsmouth's attacking firepower for helping to make them a more solid team.

He explained that with the potency of striker Aiyegbini Yakubu, who is joint third highest in the Premiership with six goals, there is less need for his midfielders to vacate their posts to help out.

"We have always had good defenders regardless of what was written about them," said Hislop, "And in recent weeks, they have shown what a good defensive unit they are.

"I think we are doing better now because our midfielders are helping out more. Because of our firepower up front, they no longer have to help out there as much and can protect the defence a bit more."