Mick McCarthy's delight at tieing down Wayne Hennessey to a new five-year contract is added to by the knowledge that his best will come beyond the end of that deal.

 

Hennessey put pen to paper on the new deal earlier this week and is now set to challenge Marcus Hahnemann and Carl Ikeme for the goalkeeping spot next season.

 

And given his current age of 23, Hennessey's continuing improvement is something the boss anticipates over the coming years.

 

"Wayne's best won't even come in this next five years," said Mick.

 

"Look at the best goalkeepers in the Premier League - Manchester United, Villa, Portsmouth, us, Fulham, Chelsea - they're all a lot older.

 

"With a lot of people judgement gets better as you get older and that's the same for goalkeepers as well.

 

"And players also become more influential in the dressing room as they get older.

 

"They always say that goalkeepers are nuts but I've met a few who are quiet and reserved - as well as the nutty ones!

 

"It just depends on the characters that they are.

 

"Obviously as you get older you do get more experienced obviously and a bit more comfortable in yourself and you carry yourself better.

 

"It's natural, all players do.

 

"All our players who played in the Premier League last season will feel better about themselves."

 

 

And Mick believes Hennessey certainly has it within his capabilities to stake a strong claim for the goalkeeping jersey which will be hotly contested again during the season.

 

"Wayne is one our of our talented players who we want to keep and he's come through the Academy," he added.

 

"He started the season last season and then the team evolved and he lost his slot.

 

"We'd brought Marcus in for the very reason that we might need some experience and Wayne is still only very young and has got a bright future here.

 

"We've huge faith and belief in him and that's why he's got a five year deal.

 

"He's still very young and did very well in the Championship when there was a lot asked of him.

 

"Like everyone else he'd got no experience of the Premier League and it got tough for everyone at one stage and so I made changes but he's still a very good goalkeeper.

 

"And we've demonstrated our belief in that by the contract we've given him."

 

Mick continued:  "He'll have learnt from last season like we all did.

 

"The experience will only help him - playing in better leagues against better players helps you.

 

"We've got some really good keepers here and it's just unlucky that Matt's been injured.

 

"And we've got a really good goalkeeping coach in Pat Mountain as well.

 

"Carl Ikeme has been unlucky with injuries over the years but he's fit now as well.

 

"It's great competition to have for that slot."