First Class Goalkeepers with Second Class Defences

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The majority of the world's goalkeepers would be happy not having much work to do during a game.

Unfortunately for some, 90 minutes can be spent either picking the ball out of the net or performing an endless string of saves because their defenders are not up to scratch.

The league has its fair share of world-class keepers who have their work load increased thanks to second class center backs.

However, many a big club has been sent home with no points thanks to the displays of a lesser team's goalkeeper.

Who gets your vote as the best goalkeeper out of the selection that follows?

Shay Given at Newcastle

The Irish shot stopper put in a fine display against Liverpool recently to ensure his side did not leave Anfield with twice as many goals as the five Liverpool did manage to get past him.

Newcastle have been well known for producing some horrific defensive displays over the last few seasons and they have had to rely on the ever consistent Shay Given to get them out of trouble on many occasions.

Steve Harper at Newcastle

Steve Harper has been with Newcastle for nearly 15 years, but he has not really managed to hold down the number one jersey during his time there.

The last couple of seasons has seen the English-born goalkeeper outperform many of his peers in the League. His displays on the pitch reportedly led to interest from many clubs, including Liverpool.

Scott Carson at West Bromich Albion

The 23 year old England international has had mixed success since he departed from Leeds United to forge a career at Liverpool.

After very few games and three separate loan spells away from Anfield with Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Aston Villa, Carson moved on a permanent basis to West Brom.

With displays that have seen him as first choice for his country on more than one occasion, Carson has been seen as a potential world-class keeper by many supporters.

Brad Friedel at Aston Villa

The American has been a veteran of the Premier League for many years and has proved on more than one occasion that he can be considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Currently playing for Aston Villa, Friedel has spent time with a few teams that have allowed the opposition a fair few more chances on goal than should be expected.

The 37-year old has been an international keeper with three World Cup tournaments under his belt. With Aston Villa, Friedel is still proving to the world he is a keeper in form.

Maik Taylor at Birmingham City

The German-born Irish international has over 500 Premier League games to his name from his time at Fulham and Birmingham City. He performed to a level that saw him nominated for team of the season in 2003.

Great in the air and well known as a shot stopper, Taylor was voted the Premier League supporters' goalkeeper of the season in 2003-04.

Marcus Hahnemann at Reading

The 36-year old has played over 250 games in six years for Reading, holding the record for the most saves in the Premier League for the 2007 season.

Without a world class defence in front of him, the Reading goalkeeper has had more than his fair share of opportunities to prove his abilities.

Robert Green at West Ham

The English-born keeper made a name for himself during his seven years with Norwich City, gaining the experience of the Premier League in his time at Carrow Road.

After relegation in to the Championship, Green had his work cut out for him, as he conceded 77 goals during the season, mostly due to the bare bones of the team that was left after the demotion fire sale.

A great number of man-of-the-match performances brought international recognition, and Green has continued to prove his world-class potential during his two years with West Ham.