The Cardiff stopper top-scored in the Premier League's official fantasy football game after saving Kenedy's last-gasp penalty in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

But off the pitch Etheridge failed to keeper the faith.

Like so many other fantasy football contestants, he omitted himself from his weekend XI – going instead with Manchester United's David De Gea.

That decision proved painful as De Gea saw United concede three first-half goals as last season's runners-up lost 3-2 at Brighton.

Etheridge, meanwhile, picked up 13 fantasy points – and the first real one of the season for the newly-promoted Bluebirds.

The Londoner topped off his spot-kick stop and clean sheet with a three-point bonus as man of the match.

And despite missing out on that bonanza himself, the 28-year-old was in good spirits when his costly modesty was pointed out on social media.

One fan tweeted of Etheridge's fantasy football faux pas: "Even Neil Etheridge had Neil Etheridge on the bench.."

The former Walsall No 1 responded simply: "hahaha".

And overall he must be pretty pleased with himself over the past 12 months.

After establishing himself as Cardiff's first-choice last term, he has started both Prem games this season despite the summer arrival of QPR's Alex Smithies.

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