Bialkowski confirmed in Poland squad for first time as Blues stopper gets a chance to stake World Cup claim

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski has been called up to the Poland squad for the first time today.

The 30-year-old has been capped at youth level by his country but has never previously made a senior squad, but has now been included for his side’s friendly clash with Nigeria on March 23 in Wroclaw and then a game with South Korea in Chorzow four days later.

Bialkowski, who has once again been in stunning form for the Blues this season, was watched by national team manager Adam Nawalka in the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Burton in February before meeting with him and assistant Tomasz Iwan after the game.

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He will have a chance to stake his claim for a place in his side’s World Cup squad for this summer’s tournament in Russia, after being named as one of four goalkeepers for the upcoming friendly games.

Wojceich Szczesny (Juventus) and Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea) look certainties to be part of the 23-man squad for Russia, with the third-spot seemingly up for grabs following the international retirement of Bournemouth’s Artur Boruc last year.

Lukasz Skorupski has been the extra custodian in recent times, but has found his game-time limited at Roma this season, with that trio included in the squad alongside Bialkowski

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Poland have been drawn in World Cup Group H along with Senegal, Colombia and Japan. They host Nigeria and South Korea in warm-up friendlies on Friday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 27 respectively.

Bialkowski agreed a new two-year Ipswich contract, with an option for an extra year, in January but has yet to put pen to paper.

He insisted the contract will be signed, though, with a few loose ends to be tied up.