Paul Hurst has been impressed with the form of goalkeeper Dean Gerken since the 33-year-old was brought into the side in place of Bartosz Bialkowski.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dean Gerken punches clear as Brentford put the pressure on in the second half. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COMDean Gerken punches clear as Brentford put the pressure on in the second half. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Gerken has started each of Ipswich’s last three games, with three-time player of the year Bialkowski relegated to the bench having not been at his best during the opening weeks of the season.

Hurst has been pleased with what Gerken has produced, with the former Colchester and Bristol City man making two big saves in the second-half of Tuesday night’s draw with Brentford.

“I think I’ve heard the fans singing his name and rightly so,” Hurst said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dean Gerken makes a save in the Ipswich Town v Brentford match. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COMDean Gerken makes a save in the Ipswich Town v Brentford match. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

MORE: ‘We have a plan he is fully supportive of... it was a positive conversation’ - Hurst on Evans meeting

“I felt for him a little bit when I made that call and a lot of the talk was more about who wasn’t in the team rather than focusing the lads are in the team.

“Dean’s certainly not let us down, he’s made good saves in the Hull game. I think the Norwich one as it turned out, he didn’t have too many saves to make in truth, but then did well at Hull to keep us in the game, albeit it didn’t help us in the end.

“And then the other night, a couple of big saves at good times and I’m sure he’ll be pleased to get back in the team and show what he can do.”