Gilmartin is a good 'keeper, says Walsall skipper Hughes

Apr 22 2010 by Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

WALSALL club captain Mark Hughes believes Rene Gilmartin is “growing with each game” in the first team.

Gilmartin has played the last 11 games for the Saddlers after manager Chris Hutchings lost patience with one error too many by senior goalkeeeper Clayton Ince, in the 1-0 home defeat to Yeovil on February 23.

It is not the first first-team run for the 22-year-old this season.

He acquitted himself well for two months early in the campaign and only lost his place due to injury.

And as the Saddlers prepare to face Hartlepool at The Banks’ Stadium on Saturday, Hughes hailed the Irishman as a potential goalkeeper for the club for seasons to come.

“Rene worked hard and trained really well while he was out of the team,” Hughes said.

“He is one of the hardest working lads in training and he is getting his rewards now.

“He has been playing with lads in defence that he probably hasn’t played with much yet but he is growing with each game. It’s just a case of everybody getting to know each other on the pitch.

“Rene has had Clayton here to learn off and, fair play to Clayton, he has helped him along the way. Rene is going to be a good goalkeeper.”

As Walsall prepare to face Hartlepool experienced trio Darren Byfield, Dwayne Mattis and Rhys Weston are all nursing knocks.