Goalkeeper Dean Gerken is convinced last week’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest marked his best appearance so far in Town colours.

That result means Town go into tomorrow’s home clash with Watford seeking a third successive home win that would make it five games without defeat.

Gerken, 28, said: “In terms of how busy I was it probably was my best game so far. It was a massive point and it puts a marker out there to show people what we are about.

“We are not just winning home games but going to a place like Forest and digging out a good 0-0 draw. It shows people we are made of tough stuff.”

Gerken, signed on a free transfer in the summer after his release by relegated Bristol City, made his league debut when manager Mick McCarthy rang the changes for the visit to Birmingham at the end of August.

Since then he has not only retained his first team place but helped Town to an impressive run in which they have been beaten only three times in 16 Championship outings.

Gerken looked back on last week’s hard-earned point at the City Ground in which he made key saves from the Forest trio of Djamal Abdoun, Jamie Mackie and, most notably, Simon Cox.

But he laughed: “My best save was probably the one that I tipped on to the crossbar, only I didn’t get any credit for it. But that’s what I’m there for, to save the ball and keep it out of the net.

“To be honest I get more satisfaction from the other stuff, like collecting balls that come over the top and my general decision-making. That’s the nitty-gritty of goalkeeping, something you have to do week in, week out.

“A lot of it goes unnoticed but to cap it off with some good saves and get the limelight is nice. It doesn’t matter what sort of game I have and whether I’m busy, making loads of saves, because I’m always high afterwards.

“It’s tough mentally because you’re not in the game all the time and you have to keep your concentration, talking to people and making sure they are doing their jobs. To make the important saves is the icing on the cake but I always enjoy the other side, the routine stuff, as well.”

Photo: Action Images

Dissboyitfc added 06:48 - Dec 20 He's gaining in confidence all the time...coyb
4

sirbenofmorlingshire added 09:27 - Dec 20 Loving the confidence, performances and the fact we have a top goalkeeper here (best for a long time)... however, can we chat about the beard????? If it's become like a lucky pair of socks or Huddlestone's hair, then fine, but if not, then maybe a trimmer or a Gillette gift set for Xmas Gerks. I'm not saying all off, but maybe a bit of a neaten up sir! ;-)

5

KBsSocks added 10:34 - Dec 20 Very pleased with our two keepers, especially Gerks' growing stature in his box. Hope Loachy is ready to step back up and between the sticks at a moment's notice ! I'm sure he is. SirBen, maybe you could change your socks, and please don't wear that shirt again ... :-P Oh, and while you're at it, your eyebrows and nasal hairs need a trim.
1

essextractorboy93 added 10:34 - Dec 20 Got to love that beard. And what a performance last week, His save from Cox in the second half was outstanding. Having a good goalkeeper can earn you those extra few points throughout the season. COYB!
1

parkinshair added 23:51 - Dec 20 I wasn't convinced by Gerkin at first but I am happy to be proved wrong. He was excellent against Blackburn and by all accounts against Forest as well. I can't say I am convinced by the beard though. I agree it certainly needs a tidy as it makes him look like a vagrant. He needs to sort his haircut out as well. My Mrs thinks it makes him look like Mr Incredible.
0

parkinshair added 23:55 - Dec 20 Sorry meant Huddesfield not Blackburn ^^
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls