Boss Mick McCarthy admits he has a goalkeeping selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s visit to second-placed AFC Bournemouth. Dean Gerken is expected to be fit again after a groin problem, while Bartosz Bialkowski has impressed the Town manager in the former Colchester man’s absence.

The 27-year-old Pole, a summer signing from Notts County, has played the last three matches and has kept two clean sheets.

“I knew we had an outstanding keeper in Bart,” McCarthy told the club website.

“He has been frustrated because he couldn’t get in the team. Now he’s in and he has done great for us.

“When Gerks is fit - and he should be OK for Saturday - then it gives me a problem but it’s a nice problem to have.”

McCarthy also expects midfielder Cole Skuse to be fit to face the Cherries, also after a groin problem, but on-loan midfielder Jonny Williams is expected to be out until the middle of December with the groin injury he suffered in the 1-0 victory over Watford.

Photo: Action Images

afcfee added 19:47 - Nov 17 I hope to god when Im in Amsterdam this weekend stoned out my skull that Gerken is not in goal that would ruin my holiday #nomoregerks #BB
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PJH added 19:54 - Nov 17 yorksblue-I must be going senile,I overlooked Richard Wright. If he had stayed one more year he could have been seen as a really top class keeper. I think Cooper was here when we were after Pat Jennings. Cooper gave great service but in my view was never top class. I think if Jennings had signed we would have added to the 1961/62 title.
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yorksblue added 20:44 - Nov 17 PJH I started watching when David Best was No 1 Can you imagine big Pat as No 1 with Cooper and Sivell as back up? - Interesting! Cooper's pace and agility, plus his aerial work (for a short arse), does it for me.
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Count_Arthur added 20:44 - Nov 17 Although BB hasn't had to do much, he should keep his place, he looked good pre-season, is a great shot stopper and (dare I say it) appears to have a better rapport with the fans and the club than Gerken does. More importantly he doesn't constantly bellow out incomprehensible instructions to players who aren't necessarily in earshot all through the match like the abominable snowman with his foot stuck in an abominable snowman trap! Don't forget, Gerken has made some howlers... Norwich... Forest... BB in for me.

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oldegold added 21:13 - Nov 17 Bielkowski should keep his place but MM will pick Gerken out of stubborn loyalty. Whilst I would play Bielkowski I had the opportunity to watch him at close quarters in the Wolves and he does not command the penalty box and it is worrying. He did save us against Watford but I find his lack of leadership in his penalty box a problem. He never shouted to his players and he was found wanting for the Wolves goal and flapping around on more than one occasion in that match and got let off.

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Super_Cooper added 21:14 - Nov 17 Paul Cooper, best goalkeeper England never had! Nuff said. (although i may be a little bit biased...)
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oldegold added 21:18 - Nov 17 Kelvin Davis was the last top class keeper we had. His one hand saves against West Ham in the 2004 and 2005 play offs were on a Gordon Banks vs Brazil 1970 level, mark my words. Watch on YouTube his save against West Ham in May 2005...absolutely wonderful and from the Lev Yashin top drawer. Mind Paul Cooper was great for Town in the glory years and certainly on a par with Clemence and Shilton in the 1978 /1982 period.

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PJH added 22:05 - Nov 17 The very first Ipswich Town goalkeeper I saw was Jack Parry but as I was only 3 at the time I do not remember much about him other than a red roll neck jersey! I do not think that that has much to do with who MM picks in goal on saturday though.
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