NIGEL Adkins admits it has been a tough choice whether to start with Kelvin Davis or Bartosz Bialkowski as his number one.

In most people’s eyes Davis is the first choice between the sticks with Bialkowski always providing good cover.

The Pole played in last week’s Carling Cup win against Torquay, but was back on the bench at Barnsley at the weekend.

Oakwell is a ground Bialkowski knows well, for he had two games on loan at Barnsley in 2009.

Adkins, a former goalkeeper himself, insists it has been a hard choice between his main two shot-stoppers.

He said: “You look at Kelvin Davis and Bartosz Bialkowski and we have two exceptional goalkeepers here.

“You talk about competition for places and that’s been a hard decision for me because Bart was outstanding last season and in training and they’re both pushing each other.

“It’s great that we do have that competition because Kelvin made a wonderful save towards the end, it keeps him on his toes and it keeps everyone on their toes.

“I’m really pleased about that.”

Bialkowski, 24, has only made 22 league appearances for Saints since signing in January 2006.

He didn’t play a single league game in 2008/09 or 2010/11, and made just one appearance in 2007/08.

His longest run of league games recently came in 2009/10 when he played seven League 1 matches when Davis was injured.