IPSWICH Town coach Carl Pentney believes Nick Hayes’ fine form at Southend United is a reward for his hours of hard work in training.

Hayes has kept three clean sheets in five appearances between the sticks for the Shrimpers.

And Pentney, the Tractor Boys’ head of academy goalkeeping, is pleased to see Hayes’ being rewarded for his dedication.

“Credit to him because all the hard work he’s put in has shown in the games,” said Pentney.

“I know myself that the game changes at times but Nick’s bought into that and he’s done really well.

“It’s a credit to himself too.

“He’s a fantastic lad and he’s really bought into the programme we’re trying to put into place at the football club.

“He comes in every day and works very hard.

“There’s never any mumbling or grumbling from him.

“He gets on with it and he’s a fantastic person to have around.”

Hayes initially came through the ranks at Ipswich Town before returning to Portman Road in 2022 having impressed while with Hemel Hempstead Town.

And Pentney feels Hayes benefitted from experiencing first team football during his short stint away from the Championship club.

“I was still playing myself when Nick was first here as a youngster but the feedback I got on him was always really positive about what a good lad he was and how hard he worked ,” said Pentney.

“When he came back in for a second spell he’s come back a lot more mature.

“He’s gone away and played games elsewhere which has been really beneficial for him.

“Since he’s come back into the programme he’s been excellent.”

Hayes has yet to make a first team appearance for Ipswich but has benefitted from working alongside some top goalkeepers.

“Over the past 18 months the goalkeeping department has transformed massively in terms of the calibre of the keepers and their training programmes,” said Pentney.

“We’ve got young Henry Gray who is a New Zealand international, Cieran Slicker who is a Scotland under 21 international and Vaclav Hladky who is on the fringes of the Czech Republic national team.

"There's also Woody Williamson who is a Scotland under 19 international abd Christian Walton who was League One golden glove winner last year so Nick is surrounded by some top goalkeepers here.”

And Pentney is pleased to see Hayes now also making steps forward with the Shrimpers.

“I’ve had a few conversations with David Martin and the feedback from him has been really positive,” said Pentney.

“From our perspective it’s been really pleasing to see Nick progressing the way he has.”

But Pentney remains unsure if Hayes will be extending his spell with Blues.

“That’s between the two clubs,” said Pentney.

“Nick has done himself no harm at all with the performances he’s put in but it’s between Southend and Ipswich now.

“But from Nick’s perspective he’s given himself every chance with the performances he’s put in during the last few weeks.”