TONY Mowbray admits it would have been easy for Dean Kiely to walk away from The Hawthorns and has praised his 'first-class' attitude as he weighs up who will play between the sticks against Liverpool on Sunday (ko 1.30pm).

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper produced an outstanding display on his first league appearance of the season in Saturday's 3-1 win over Wigan after an injury to ever-present Scott Carson.

But after acting as something of a mentor to Carson, who is back in training following his cut hand, the 38-year-old stopper must now battle it out with him to see who gets the nod against the Reds.

"Dean has had a first-class attitude to his situation this year," said Mowbray.

"He is clearly very positive about playing and has great confidence in his ability.

"He obviously wants to play but he has understood the situation we're in and he hopefully understood the club's situation and where we were when we were going into the Premier League.

"He had decisions to make about whether he wanted to play regularly or whether he was happy to stay, sit on the bench and compete for a place in the team.

"Ultimately, that's what's happened and as a keeper you always know you are one wrong decision by the keeper in the team away from playing.

"It could be a sending off for handling the ball outside the box or bringing somebody down.

"You are always close to being thrust into the fray.

"That's what has happened because of an injury to Scott, and Dean did very well."

Kiely signed a second one-year contract extension in January to keep him at the club until the end of the 2009/10 campaign.

And, although the former Charlton and Portsmouth keeper has got used to being first choice throughout his 19-year professional career, Mowbray insists he has never been close to leaving The Hawthorns.

"My relationship with Dean has been good enough to keep that bond pretty strong," he added.

"If Dean had wanted to go he would have knocked on my door and asked me and I would probably have said 'yes' to him if that's what he wanted.

"I wouldn't keep a 38-year-old and deprive him of playing football, and yet I think he enjoys the environment he is working in.

"While he is not happy, he appears content to get on with it, help a young goalkeeper progress and try to grasp his chance when it comes."