New keeper Bartosz Bialkowski isn’t fazed by the prospect of a penalty shoot-out at Crawley this evening.

He can’t be certain of his entire record when it comes to facing spotkicks but he has one particular memory that is sure to further endear him to Town fans.

The 27-year-old Pole recalled: “I played for Southampton against Norwich in a Johnstone’s Paints Trophy semi-final. It was 2-2 and in the shoot-out I saved three penalties to help us get through.”

That was back in December 2009, in a southern area semi, and unfortunately for Bialkowski he had to settle for a place on the bench at Wembley three months later.

Ex-Town number one Kelvin Davis was in the Saints’ starting line-up as they triumphed 4-1 against Carlisle.

Bialkowski hopes to make an impression at Crawley alongside several other members of Mick McCarthy’s squad keen to play their way into the manager’s first team plans.

He added: “I am trying to focus on every game I can play. I am really looking forward to Crawley and I will do my best to prove to the gaffer that I can play every week. I have played many games in my career and there is absolutely no extra pressure on me.

“It’s difficult as a goalkeeper because you might only have one save to make, and maybe as late as the 90th minute. You have to stay focused for all that time.

“Sometimes it’s not easy but I’m expecting a good game at Crawley. I know them from my time in League One with Notts County and they are a tough team to beat, so anything can happen. But we will be doing everything we can to move into the next round.”

Photo: Action Images

Blue_Again added 07:32 - Aug 12 We could do a holland and bring him on for pens.
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TimmyH added 10:37 - Aug 12 Hahahaha! - that's an optimistic view already on tonight's game against a team a division below us!
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bigolconnor added 15:58 - Aug 12 Good luck tonight Bartosz you seem to be a really good guy. Keep us in the cup for a little longer this season please.
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