In-form stopper Bartosz Bialkowski is performing at the levels expected of a number one, says goalkeeping coach Kevin Pilkington.
Bialkowski has been a reliable presence between the sticks this term and appears to be getting better with each game.
The weekend’s encounter with Swindon Town saw the Pole produce arguably his finest performance since arriving at Meadow Lane in the summer to help Notts to a 1-0 victory.
A string of top-class saves led to the 25-year-old being named in the npower League 1 Team of the Week.
“Bart’s doing absolutely fantastic at the moment and he’s a joy to work with, he’s a lovely person as well,” Pilkington told Magpie Player.
“He’s great all round and he’s doing the business on the pitch as well.
“As a goalkeeper you need those games, you need to be playing regularly to get the best out of you.
“If you’re coming in for two or three games and going back out again you know it’s short-term but he knows that he’s here for the long-term.
“It’s good for him to know that he’s playing week in, week out and it’s a good mentality to have.
“It’s the most he’s played in a season and it’s showing the rewards as well.”
Pilkington believes that Bialkowski will only get better with age and has every confidence that he can go on to perform at a higher level – hopefully with the Magpies.
He continued: “There’s loads more to come from him, because he’s a baby as far as goalkeepers go.
“I don’t think you hit your peak until you’re 30-ish and there’s a lot more to come from him.
“He knows the game at the moment but he’ll learn even more and what he’s capable of doing.”
To check out the interview with Pilkington, sign in to Magpie Player.
This weekend, the Magpies are in action against Rotherham United in the FA Cup with Budweiser. To purchase tickets for this game, visit www.nottscountydirect.co.uk.