THERE once was a time not so long ago when all goalkeepers did was stop the ball going into the back of their own net.

You’d get the occasional Flash Harry, like Pat Jennings or Seamus McDonagh, whose clearance would catch on the wind and bounce over their embarrassed opposite number but they certainly didn’t make a habit of it.

Then they did away with the back pass and all of a sudden keepers were expected to play. There was a glorious settling in period, where keepers would thrash at the ball like a newborn calf, providing Danny Baker and Nick Hancock with hours of VHS gold.

But now we have a generation of goalkeepers who grew up not being able to pick up a pass from their own defender. And not content with merely kicking the ball away, they started to believe they could play. I think it started in South America when Jose Chilavert started curling free-kicks and Rene Higuita lost his compass altogether – but it spread to Europe and now, on the eve of a Euro 2012 quarter final, we have Joe Hart discussing how he’ll be taking a penalty in the shoot-out.

Now we all know the Manchester City keeper doesn’t lack for a bit of confidence and given England’s record from 12 yards, maybe it’s a good thing someone is volunteering at this early stage. But the traditionalist in me would like to see the outfield lads sort it out between themselves, thank you very much. It seems penalties are inevitable when you look at the two defensive sides on offer, who, in the words of Blackadder, have sought to advance as far as an asthmatic ant with some heavy shopping.

And if it gets that far we’ll have on show the two international sides with the worst shootout record in international football.

There will be some tired journalists at Bolton News Towers on Monday morning, methinks.