Over the past couple of years Bart Bialkowski has had to sit and bide his time at St Mary's, his reputation somewhat sullied, but I would say unfairly.

Four years ago when the young Polish keeper arrived at Saints he was initially a revelation, putting in a string of accomplished performances beforean injury finished his season.

The following year 06/07 he found his way blocked by Kelvin Davis, however there were many Saints supporters who felt Bialkowski was the better keeper and as Davis put in a series of unconvincing displays, many were clamouring for Bart's return in goal.

That chance came with an injury to Kelvin and Bialkowski played his part in helping Saints regain their momentum and battle into the play offs, but in the 2nd game against Derby Bart found himself dropped.

The summer of 07 saw much upheaval at the Club and on the opening day against Palace Saints had a makeshift defence, surprisngly it was Bialkowski who got the nod to start the game, he was poor, but to be blunt he was thrown to the wolves by George Burley, his confidence was shot and he wouldnt play another league game until his appearance at Hartlepool on Tuesday.

Now Bart has the chance to show that he isnt a bad keeper, but a good one who has suffered from circumstance, his treatment by George Burley was bad and in Malcolm Webster he had a goalkeeping coach who clearly didnt rate him and wasnt slow in letting people know that, what chance did Bialkowski have of rediscovering his form and confidence when the man who was there to help him was not behind him.

Now Bart has a chance to show that whilst he has been out of the limelight he has worked at his game over the past year or so, certainly against Charlton in the JPT he looked a different keeper that the one that had faced Palace and he did everything that he was called upon to do, simiarly at Hartlepool, he came on at a difficult point of the match, the home side were getting on top with the wind at their backs and the conditions where a goalkeepers nightmare, yet he kept a clean sheet and looked solid and that can only be good.

Saints supporters will be a little wary of Bart in the coming weeks, most will remember Palace but will forget his two previous runs in the side when he was superb, he is still only 22, young in goalkeeping terms and he still has played barely 20 games for Saints plus a couple at Barnsley on loan.

Kelvin's profileis sky high amongst Saints supporters at present and that perhaps could be key to Bart, if Kelvin can gain the fans confidence then so can Bart, a little run in the first team might just be good for his career and might just kick start Saints season.