Walters vows to bounce back

Stoke forward Jon Walters is determined not to be fazed by his horror display against Chelsea on Saturday.

Last Updated: 15/01/13 at 08:23 Post Comment   

Jon Walters: Will not be bottling it in future despite horror game

Jon Walters: Will not be bottling it in future despite horror game

The Republic of Ireland international scored two own goals and missed a penalty as the Potters were beaten 4-0 at the Britannia Stadium and admits it was a nightmare afternoon.

"Saturday obviously wasn't the best of days for me," said Walters, quoted in The Sun. "I should have known it wasn't going to be my day when I tried an overhead kick and managed to boot the ball into my own face.

"Maybe I should have walked off then. I've never scored an own goal in my entire career and had no idea what it felt like. Unfortunately I'm an expert now after managing it twice in one game.

"At the first one I'd spotted three unmarked Chelsea players at the back post so I tried my best to get back and help. Juan Mata was charging in at the back post and, though Asmir Begovic is a good goalie, he was favourite to score.

"I just threw myself at the cross and tried to head it over the bar but unfortunately it wasn't the best of headers and it went in.

"For the second I was marking Frank Lampard, who got away from me and I tried to cut out the cross. I half expected to get clattered by Asmir but I managed to get my head to it and it flew in.

"I looked at the scoreboard and it read 'Stoke 0 Chelsea 2' and I'd headed in both Chelsea goals! I didn't think I could feel any worse but when I saw that, I did. I was dreading making it a hat-trick of own goals.

"I think a few of the Chelsea boys wanted me to step up, instead of Frank Lampard, and take their penalty so I could complete my hat-trick!"

But Walters insists that if he gets the chance to try and head the ball clear at home to Crystal Palace in Stoke's FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday then he will attempt it.

"I'll go for it just the same," said the 29-year-old. "I'd be more annoyed with myself if I didn't. That would be bottling it."

Disappointment

The former Ipswich man had the chance to salvage some pride against Chelsea when he stepped up to take a late penalty - but even that ended in disappointment for the player.

"I could have made things slightly better with our penalty but I didn't even manage that," added Walters.

"When I saw it bouncing off the top of the bar I couldn't believe my luck. It's safe to say I've never had a worse day."

He added: "If the manager asks how we feel about the Palace game I'll be the first begging to play.

"I was last out to the car park Saturday and there were fans waiting to tell me don't worry about it.

"It was a really nice touch. They're like me, come from working-class backgrounds and I think they appreciate I give everything in every match - at both ends of the park!"

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