Veiga played in La Liga with Levante

Macclesfield boss Gary Simpson believes goalkeeper Jose Veiga is beginning to answer his critics.

The 33-year-old made a string of saves as his side overcame Morecombe 1-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Simpson told BBC Radio Manchester: "He's played in La Liga so he's no mug. I know there has been a lot of things said about Jose Veiga.

"He needed a run of games and a chance but I never had any qualms whatsoever that he would do okay."

The Cape Verde international was promoted to first-choice keeper after spending last season as back-up to Jon Brain who is now with Walsall.

Simpson added: "If you ask a lot of players from last year who they thought was unlucky they would have said Jose Veiga.

"He's very agile, he's quick around his box, and he reminds me of the Liverpool lad [Pepe Reina]."

While Veiga settles in as number one, team-mate Hamza Bencherif is continuing his comeback from long-term injury.

The 22-year-old can operate in more than one position but Simpson stressed he intends to use him as a midfielder.

"I do see him as a midfield player, I think he can play there at this level," he said.

"He is still feeling his way like a few others."

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