Bartosz Bialkowski is out to give manager Mick McCarthy a selection headache as he bids to hold onto the gloves for Ipswich Town.

Bartosz Bialkowski is out to give manager Mick McCarthy a selection headache as he bids to hold onto the gloves for Ipswich Town.

The Pole started the season between the sticks before missing two games in August while on bereavement leave following the sad death of his father, allowing Dean Gerken to come into the side and subsequently hold onto his place.

Gerken suffered a shoulder injury at Birmingham a fortnight ago which opened the door for Bialkowski to return to the side and, following an impressive display in the 1-0 loss at QPR on Saturday, the Pole is out to ensure he does enough to keep his place when Gerken returns from injury.

“I was patient, I worked hard and I just want to keep going and I want to play,” Bialkowski said.

“Everyone wants to play, I’m no different.

“It’s football. Things (like Dean’s injury) happen in football and he had been playing outstanding this season, but I will do everything to give the manager a headache.

“The manager said to me, early on in the season when I lost my place, that he would give Deano a run of games and see what happens. Deano was in great form and I played hard and I was patient, so I’m just happy to play again.

“I am going to do my best, take each game at a time because this game is gone now.

“I’m a really positive and confident guy and I know I can do well.”

Bialkowski made a string of impressive stops, including two inside the first minute, at QPR but insisted the pleasure at his good display meant little, given the fact the Blues conceded a late winner at Loftus Road.

“I was happy with the way I played, I made some good saves and I was happy to help my team during the game,” Bialkowski said.

“I’m frustrated now though because that really means nothing as we’re going home with zero points and we’re really disappointed.

“We have another game next week and I’m going to do my best, like I always do, because in football you never know.

“There’s 16 games left and still lots to play for, we’re still believing because we have a good squad who will keep pushing on.”