Boss Mick McCarthy says keeper Dean Gerken impressed him with his attitude during his summer trial at Portman Road. The 28-year-old, who had been released by Bristol City, won himself a two-year deal and has now established himself as the Blues’ first choice.

McCarthy said: “What I liked about Gerks is that he admitted that when he went to Bristol City and he was left out of the team, when he got back in he wasn’t ready, for whatever reason, he hadn’t prepared properly.

“And what I loved about him was that he admitted it and said ‘Listen, it was my fault, nobody else’s’. I think it takes a big fella to do that.

“I’ve been there, we don’t like getting the blame for stuff as footballers, we like to blame other people and I admire somebody who stands up and says ‘No, it was my fault, I’m going to crack on and work at it and get back’.”

Having started the season as back-up to Scott Loach, the former Colchester man has started every league game since the end of August, with his manager feeling he has played a key role in Town’s current nine-game unbeaten run: “He’s been different class, he’s made some real match-winning saves for us.”

Photo: Action Images

StowTractorBoy added 12:23 - Jan 10 Well said Mick save of the season at Blackpool.
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