Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert is pleased with David Cornell’s start to life as his No.1 goalkeeper – but insisted the Welshman can still improve with the ball at his feet.

Cornell, signed from Northampton in the summer, needed to remain patient during the opening three months of his Ipswich career as he made do with cup football while backing up Tomas Holy from the bench in league games.

But he’s now played the last five League One matches, making some excellent saves along the way as he looks to establish himself as Lambert’s man between the sticks.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town signed David Cornell from Northampton Town last summer. Photo: PAIpswich Town signed David Cornell from Northampton Town last summer. Photo: PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Lambert did admit, though, the Welshman has shown he’s better with the ball at his feet than he’s been able to produce in competitive action so far.

“He’s doing really well, he’s had some brilliant moments,” the Town boss said. “I think his kicking could be better, though. I think he’s better with the ball than he’s shown.

“But he’s made some big saves. He and Tomas have done really well. I think Dai has taken his chance really well.

“Against Portsmouth he made some really good saves. I’m really pleased with him. His kicking could be better and hopefully that will improve.”

Playing the ball out from the back is a feature of the way Lambert’s Ipswich are trying to play this season, which has sometimes got them into trouble, while Cornell has had a couple of lucky escapes.

“Predominantly a goalkeeper is there to use his hands, that’s his job, but in the modern game if he’s decent with his feet that’s like an extra player for you, which he is,” Lambert said.

“He’s a good footballer with his feet as well. But can he get better? Yes, he can.”

Cornell had been due to face former club Northampton Town on Boxing Day but that game, along with the visit to AFC Wimbledon on December 29, has been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak in the squad.

Lambert, general manager Lee O'Neill and five players have all tested positive and are isolating at their homes, with the club expecting further positive tests once the squad tested again later this morning.