AITOR Karanka says Tomas Mejias will remain his first choice goalkeeper and insists that if anyone is to come under any criticism it should be him, not any of his players.





"Right now my number one goalkeeper for the league is Tomas," said Aitor.





"He's here because he's strong enough and good enough to play - he's not playing well at the moment but I have to be careful with my keepers because it is different to any other position."





Mistakes against Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday have dented the confidence of some fans in the young Spaniard. However Aitor says he wants the fans to stand behind the entire team - in every position - and if issues arise then he should be the man to blame.





"I want our crowd to trust not just our keeper but our team as a whole.





"I will put out the team who I think is best to win. If the fans criticise anyone then it should be me and not Tomas. I hope our fans will support any player even those they may have doubts about.





"I will always make a decision on what I think is good for the team. These are our players and they deserve our respect and support."





Mejias arrived in the summer from Real Madrid after a brief loan spell last season and Aitor stressed that he must be given time to adapt to life in the Championship.





"Tomas is learning - he's from Spain and it's a different way of playing out there but I can't change keeper every game. I have to bring one keeper in thinking of the entire season.





"My choice for Saturday will be Tomas and then we have a break. After then we will see but I have no doubts that Tomas will develop and be a good keeper for us for a long time."



