Goalkeeping coach: Wolves' Carl Ikeme is better than ever
Carl Ikeme had the season of his life for Wolves – and has become a role model for the whole squad, his goalkeeping coach believes.
Ikeme overcame the shock and disappointment of being dropped early in the campaign to produce some of his best performances for the club during the second half of the season.
The 29-year-old finished second in the players' player of the season vote.
And Wolves goalkeeping coach Pat Mountain hailed Ikeme's season as his best yet.
"It was a really difficult start for him but I'd suggest it's his best season," Mountain said.
"Certainly in terms of consistency, he bounced back brilliantly and showed 100 per cent professionalism.
"I can't speak highly enough of him, with how professional and committed he stayed.
"When he wasn't in the team he trained like he was in the team.
"It probably enhanced the way that he conducted himself – he's a role model for any young player, not just the goalkeepers."
Ikeme was due to win his ninth cap for Nigeria today in a friendly against Luxembourg.
Boss Kenny Jackett has also praised Ikeme, for improving his leadership skills this season.
It's something Mountain agrees with. He said: "Carl's impact on the team has improved, and the way he gels the defence together. His leadership has come through.
"There were no hard feelings towards Emi Martinez (when dropped) – he helped him and backed him.
"It probably was a shock to him. But if you're going to be successful as a club you probably need two players in every position, which has been highlighted this season that maybe we've been lacking that.
"For him personally it was brilliant that when he did get back in he's been really consistent.
"He's done 35 league games and eight internationals. I think the most he's played in a season is 44, in League One."
