Boss Mick McCarthy was quick to credit goalkeeping-coach Malcolm Webster for the recruitment of new addition Bartosz Bialkowski, having been responsible for the signing of Dean Gerken this time last year. The 27-year-old Pole, who previously played under Webster at Southampton and before that during a trial at Hearts, impressed during the second half of last night’s 0-0 draw with West Ham, having completed his move to the Blues on Tuesday.

“Let’s give somebody else a bit of credit because Malcolm Webster was big on Gerks last year,” McCarthy said.

“I can tell if someone’s a good goalkeeper, I can tell if he’s a hopeless goalkeeper, but I can’t tell you anything in between because it’s a really specific position.

“And that’s why I have a goalkeeping coach, who I trust. He went big on Gerks last year. I knew Gerks because I’d seen him play, not so much Bart, I’d seen a bit of him, but I trust Malcolm’s opinion.

“And even more so he’s got brownie points because if his decision with Gerks because he’s been excellent. If we get as much success out of this fella we’ll be doing well. It’s competition certainly.”

McCarthy, who revealed that Bialkowski had joined on a free transfer with his former club Notts County only receiving cash if Town are promoted or sell him, says Gerken is currently the man in possession of the number one shirt.

“Dean Gerken’s number one, as Loachy was number one last year,” he said. “And we saw what happened there, didn’t we? Dean Gerken played 40 games.

“I’ve said that to Gerks. As well as he’s done, as much as I love him, if he doesn’t play well and the other fella’s better, he knows what happens even if he’s got number 33 on his back.”

Has he got any other deals in the pipeline? “There’s loads in the pipeline, it’s all running underneath us!” the Blues boss joked, while keeping his cards typically close to his chest.

Asked whether he has any plans to extend any of his current players’ contracts — Christophe Berra is reported to be close to agreeing a new three-year deal — McCarthy said: “Let’s try and get some new ones in first, then we’ll start dealing with some of those.”

Freddie Veseli was back in action for the Blues following his trial with FC Luzern last week, but McCarthy says he is looking to move the Swiss U21 international on if he can: “He’s one of my players, so while he’s here I’ll continue to use him, but if I can get a deal for him somewhere, I will.”

The Town boss is yet to decide whether to send 18-year-old third-choice keeper Michael Crowe out on loan during the season ahead: “We’ll see.”

Photo: Action Images

Sindre94 added 02:35 - Jul 17 Fantastic to hear. Personally I don't really rate Gerken, but hopefully we've improved in the goalkeeping area by bringing Bialkowski in. Gerken won us some points last season, but I also think he cost us a few (Millwall and Boro away spring to mind). I'd like to think Bialkowski will play on the 9. of August, but at the same time Loach started last season, so maybe Mick will "wait" for Gerken to make a mistake until he gives our polish lad a crack.

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Jimmy86 added 05:28 - Jul 17 Shame about veseli as last night he looked pretty good in midfield, maybe he's not really a natural right back, bit like hewitt who is prob more a right mid than a right back. On the keepers, I personally think bart is the better keeper and in my opinion should be number 1. Confident claiming crosses, good kicking and distribution and a great point blank save. Yea gerken did well last season, but cost us points due to silly mistakes

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hadleighboyblue added 09:33 - Jul 17 I really hope MM has second thoughts on moving Veseli on . After last night's performance he is definitely worth a go in midfield , he looked very comfortable on the ball and was always available - him in midfield with Hyam worked very well , he could save us a lot of money if given a chance .
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Tractamatt added 11:25 - Jul 17 Nice to hear MM still talking about "getting some in" I bet he already has an idea who. Anybody wanna take a stab at who?
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Michael11 added 11:55 - Jul 17 It might sound pessimistic but I think our goalkeepers have been hopeless since Andy Rhodes left. I also don't think Gerken had such a wonderful season last year as Mick's saying. I can easily think of 4 or 5 games where he dropped a clanger and cost us the game!
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Michael11 added 11:55 - Jul 17 It might sound pessimistic but I think our goalkeepers have been hopeless since Andy Rhodes left. I also don't think Gerken had such a wonderful season last year as Mick's saying. I can easily think of 4 or 5 games where he dropped a clanger and cost us the game!
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JWM added 12:42 - Jul 17 I just love Super Mick!
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