Goalkeeper Toby Savin says the addition of goalkeeping coach Andy Dibble has helped to boost his performances.
Welsh international Dibble, whose playing career spanned around 24 years, returned to the Wham Stadium for a second time this season to take over the role of looking after the goalies.
Savin, 21, has been battling with Burnley loan stopper Lukas Jensen for the Reds first team spot this season.
“Andy Dibble helps me a lot. He has been through a lot of situations that I go through and just comparing himself to myself is huge to me. He is a big figure to look up to and trust around the club.
“I had a frustrating year last year, not replacing Tony Warner (former goalkeeping coach) when he left, and I felt my performances took a massive dip towards the end of last season and it affected me.
“Ever since Dibs has come in, I feel it’s been a massive turnaround in my attitude, how I feel around the club, my performances and my ability and I feel so much more positive around the club.
“The main thing for me is that goalkeeping is not all by the book. That’s why having the experience of Dibs is good. Each individual situation I have been through, Dibs can compare it to what he has been through and that helps me a lot.”
Jensen started the season between the sticks, with Savin suspended for the first game, but the young keeper has fought his way into the first team.
“It’s nothing new to me fighting for my position, I know what it’s like to lose it as well.
“It helps me, since Lukas has come in, I do love the competition. Over the last few years, keepers have come in and they do help me boost my performance and it keeps the healthy competition going.
“I focus on my own performance and let the gaffer make his mind up.”
Savin said the Reds have been boosted by the League One draw at Lincoln, after a run of five league defeats, and the 4-1 win over Crawley in the Emirates FA Cup.
However he knows promotion-chasing Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow will be a testing encounter at the Wham Stadium.
“From where we were a few weeks ago, to get a point against Lincoln and then a win at Crawley was massive but there is still a long way to go before we are back to where we want to be so we won’t get ahead of ourselves.
“Playing Sheffield Wednesday, it’s a big step up but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before or overcome before.
“It’s definitely going to be a busy game – and probably a busy day for me - but we believe we can match them and we don’t see why we can’t come out with all three points.
“It’s brilliant when the ground is full, everyone’s performances seem to lift. It’s a massive buzz, I love the thrill of going out with a full crowd whether they are shouting things at me, I don’t mind.
“The away crowd behind me boosts my owns performance, if they say stuff and I want to prove them wrong.
“In front of the home fans, they are so supportive, like a big family. I have never heard one bad word even when I make a mistake, they are all positive and willing you on.”
The full pre-match interview with Toby Savin is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!