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Clayton Ince has tipped Rene Gilmartin to become Walsall’s number one - as long as he keeps his consistency.
Gilmartin is standing in for Ince while he recovers from a groin injury and has earned praise for his performances, picking up man of the match in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Swindon.

Ince, who expects to be fit for the home clash with Millwall next Saturday, believes Gilmartin has what it takes to succeed him in the Saddlers’ goal.

He said: “Yes, no problems. If he is consistent, and that is the thing now with footballers, to be consistent and not drop your level because of who is around you.

“You have to keep your own standard and make sure the standard is high at all times.

“He could have 15 or 20 years in him because you can go to 40 or 41 depending on how you look after your body and injuries so it is good to see that.

“He has a bright future in goalkeeping because he can have a good season here and, depending on how contracts go, he could get a bigger and better club.

“He started crawling and he has worked his way up and he can go as far as he wants.”

Ince, who is now coaching Gilmartin, has also been impressed with the Irishman’s determination.

“He is not content with just playing well which is good to see from a player like him.

“It comes with confidence. I have given him confidence and the manager has given him confidence and he is doing pretty well.”

The 36-year-old is also set to thrash out a new deal with Walsall this month, with his contract to expire at the end of the season, and says he is quite happy to stay with the Saddlers.

He said: “It is all nice to hear you are being linked to a move here or there but it is about how comfortable the player feels and the atmosphere and I am very comfortable here.”

“It makes no sense going to the next club if you are just going there as a squad number. You need to go there and achieve something, to set a standard.”