Scott Loach takes inspiration from West Ham’s Stephen Henderson

SCOTT LOACH is determined to take inspiration from a difficult first campaign at Ipswich Town, after expressing his gratitude to the man who took his place.

The summer signing from Watford was soon dropped by former boss Paul Jewell, following the Blues’ miserable start to the season, and made way for West Ham goalkeeper, Stephen Henderson.

Loach then missed out through injury earlier this year – again being replaced by Henderson – who returned for a second loan stint in January, but has played the previous three games, keeping three clean sheets, following the former Portsmouth stopper’s recall by the Hammers.

Now, chasing his fifth clean-sheet in a row, having played in the 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough before his injury, Loach believes the presence of Henderson gave him extra motivation.

“Hendo coming in pushed me that bit harder and that is what I needed, and it is the same with (new third-choice goalkeeper) Jason Brown,” said Loach.

“His (Henderson’s) attitude was spot on, but he has gone now and it’s up to me to do what he did, but go one better.

“That’s my aim and I will be back out on the training field after every game, working and improving all the time.”

Free-agent Brown has played in the Premier League with Blackburn and internationally for Wales, and is currently jostling for second spot with Arran Lee-Barrett at Portman Road.

“Arran is one of the best trainers I have ever worked with as a goalkeeper, he is so professional and pushes you all the way,” said Loach.

“Browny has played international football and I don’t care what people say about him, in terms of what he had done in the game and where he has been, from what I have seen he has great ability and I can’t ask for anything more than that.

“The kind of knowledge he possesses helps you out every step of the way.”