Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton believes team-mate Senne Lammens will emerge stronger after the costly mistake that ended Belgium's World Cup campaign.
Lammens was thrust into action during Belgium's quarter-final defeat to Spain after first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured with just 19 minutes remaining.
The 24-year-old had little to do before spilling a late effort from Pau Cubarsi, allowing Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino to pounce and score the winner in Spain's 2-1 victory.
The young goalkeeper was visibly devastated at the final whistle, but Heaton is confident the experience will help him develop.
"I spoke to him afterwards," Heaton said following Manchester United's pre-season defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki.
"It was obviously a difficult moment for him, but that's the reality of being a goalkeeper."
"Once you put the gloves on, you have to be prepared for moments like that.
"He'll come back stronger."
"He's got a fantastic personality for a goalkeeper, and I honestly think this experience will benefit him in the long run."
Lammens enjoyed an impressive debut season at Old Trafford after joining from Royal Antwerp in a £18.1 million deal, with United opting to sign him ahead of Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The Belgian is currently on a three-week break following the World Cup and is expected to return to pre-season training in early August, putting him in contention for United's clash with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.
Despite criticism from Belgian media following his error, Manchester United remain fully confident in the young shot-stopper.
The club recently strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing Karl Darlow as experienced cover, while 40-year-old Heaton also extended his contract by another year, although his last competitive appearance came in February 2023.
Heaton believes Lammens' mentality will ensure he quickly moves on from the disappointment.
"I don't think Senne will go into games with fear or be worrying about making mistakes," Heaton added.
"If that's your mindset, you're probably more likely to make one."
"As a goalkeeper, mistakes are magnified because they often lead to goals, and goals decide matches."
"That's something every goalkeeper has to accept.
"It's a tough position, but Senne is mentally very strong."
"I saw that from the moment he arrived at Manchester United."
"He's handled every challenge brilliantly, and I'm sure he'll do the same again."
