Jussi Jaaskelainen has been impressed with Adrian's first season in English football.
The No13 took Jaaskelainen's place between the posts in January with the Finn then unable to displace him.
Rather than get downhearted, Jaaskelainen has supported Adrian all the way and believes the experience of a tough Barclays Premier League season will stand him in good stead for the future.
"[Losing your place] is part and parcel of football," he said.
"Adrian has done very well, and the only thing I could do is keep working hard - the main thing is to support everybody in the team.
"He has been playing consistently well and that's the main aim for a goalkeeper. I can't have too much to be disappointed about.
"If you look at the season as a whole, we started by playing very well but we didn't get the results that we needed.
"When you don't get them, confidence drops and it was a tough season but we've come through it and hopefully next year will be better."