Hull City goalkeeper Steve Harper has defended Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois after the youngster conceded a goal from a 60-yard Charlie Adam strike.

Adam scored arguably one of the goals of the season during Stoke's 2-1 defeat against Chelsea as he found the back of the net from all of 66 yards and the strike was rightly hailed by pundits and fans alike.

However, some have criticized goalkeeper Courtois for his role in the concession of the goal by stating that the Chelsea custodian should not have come so far out of his area.

Tigers keeper Harper does not share this view though and has defended the Belgian youngster by stating that he was not at fault.

The former Newcastle star said: "The days of a goalkeeper with his starting position standing under the crossbar are long gone.

"They do such a good job sweeping up behind their defence that far outweighs and counters being done over your head once in a blue moon like that. For me it's not a mistake, it's a fantastic execution from Charlie."