Town manager Mick McCarthy says he plans to extend keeper Dean Gerken’s contract beyond the one-year option the Blues took up last week.

“We were always going to trigger his option and we’re hoping to extend his contract further,” McCarthy said.

“It was a year’s option and there’s a date when you have to trigger that and that’s May 1st so we’ve done that, so he’s got another 12 months for next season but we hope to extend it further, if we can.

“If not, if he doesn’t want to, if he just wants to see his year out, he can do that, although I don’t think that’ll be the case.”

Gerken, who joined the Blues in the summer of 2013 following a trial after leaving Bristol City, was the subject of interest from Cardiff City during the January transfer window.

McCarthy says the 31-year-old ex-Colchester man has been unlucky not to play more than the three cup games and one Championship match he has featured in for Town this season.

“He’s been very unfortunate,” the Town boss added. “If anything happened to Bart and he got in for five, six, seven games and he played like he has in the past, he’d end up being first choice because that’s always been the case.

“Not two games, you don’t step in for two games, do well [and claim the shirt] when somebody has been doing as well as Bart, but if he got in and had six, seven games and we had a few clean sheets and he played well.

“Bart knows the rules as well. He’s got to get back in, then Bart would have to back him up like he’s done it for Bart. He’s kept Bart on his toes because Gerks is terrific.

“It’s vital [to have number two keeper doing that]. If the first-choice keeper keeps looking at the number two thinking ‘He’ll never get in in my place’ he’s not going to be very motivated, is he?

“If you’ve got competition for your place and there’s only one place you better make sure you do it right, and do it right every day.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy added that there are no new developments regarding skipper Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra’s contract situations.

The central defensive pair are both out of contract in the summer but with the club having an option to keep them for a further year. Owner Marcus Evans was understood to have begun talks with Chambers regarding new terms last month.

Photo: TWTD

runningout added 17:36 - Apr 13 Doesn't look like much will change for next season.. for one Gerken hasn't shown me his the composure and ability to challenge Bart
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runningout added 11:28 - Apr 14 delete 'his'
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Crackersjackers added 22:14 - Apr 15 Some of you lot need to get a brain. Slating Gerken when he hasn't even played is a disgrace, look how he played against Charlton last year he's a great back up to Bart
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