Scott Flinders has been backed to make a swift return to the top of the English game.

Since becoming Hartlepool United’s No 1 this season, the goalkeeper has been in impeccable form.

And boss Chris Turner feels he is producing the sort of performances which earned him a big-money move in 2006.

After earning England recognition and moving from Barnsley to Crystal Palace, Flinders’ career stalled.

He has been rejuvenated, however, since signing for Pools this year and only Leeds have kept more clean sheets than the Pools defence this season in League One.

Saturday’s against Millwall was his ninth shut-out in 20 games.

“Defensively we were solid against Millwall and it’s nice to keep another clean sheet,’’ reflected Turner. “There’s not many English goalkeepers outside the top flight better than Scott Flinders.

“Scott’s work ethic is that he wants to get to the top.

When he signed I was on holiday at the time, but everyone at the club said how focused he was.

“He works hard, trains hard and has a great relationship with Gary Walsh, our goalkeeping coach who is one of the best signings we have made this summer.’’ Turner added: “When he signed, he signed a two-year deal and that is to get back on track. He was one of the best young goalkeepers around aged 18, went to Palace for a lot of money and ended up not playing much first-team football.

“Now he knows he is playing week in, week out and he is focused.

“He wants to progress and there’s not many young English goalkeepers with that sort of mentality is there?’’ Pools reserve side meet Lincoln City at Billingham Town this afternoon in a game brought forward 24 hours.