Goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster says the mutual respect between Bartosz Bialkowski and Dean Gerken has driven the keepers on this season.
Bialkowski started the season between the sticks before losing his place to an in-form Gerken while on bereavement leave, following the death of his father, before the Pole reclaimed his place after Gerken suffered a shoulder injury at Birmingham in January.
Both have performed well when called upon, with Webster believing the respect they have for each other has played a major part.
“Over the season, the way the two have performed is credit to them,” Webster told the club website.
“Every goalkeeper coach at the clubs we have played against has commented on how well they have done so that speaks volumes.
“Bart and Gerks have so much respect for each other and that helps to drive them both on. They support each other and that mutual respect goes a long way.”
Despite only starting 16 league games, Bialkowski has been voted the Blues’ player of the year, while Gerken won the vote for October’s player of the month award.
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