'Kearns is big factor' says Rene

WALSALL goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin has credited Saddlers legend Mick Kearns as the main reason why he decided to commit his future to the club this summer.

And the rangy stopper believes Walsall's young guns have what it takes to surprise a few people in League One next season.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international told Advertiser Sport: "It was a massive positive that Mick was there to do some work with me last season – and it was good to hear him say he wanted me to come back.

"Before that I was training with Clayton (Ince) – and I'm trying to overtake him but if I work at his pace that's never going to happen. I need to fight for that jersey with Clayton.

"I was happy to sign again because I think people know by now that I like the club and I can see it going places under Chris Hutchings – and he has a full season now to get that rolling in that respect.

"I can see it being a young team next season and although Clayton has signed as well I can see myself getting a few more opportunities.

"If last season had gone the same way as the one before for me it might have been a case of moving on – because I only played three or four games the year before – but I think I played 12 times.

"There are still mistakes I want to take out of my game and really show the gaffer I'm ready for a good run of matches.

"I had it in my hands last season but made a mistake (against Huddersfield), which happens to every young goalkeeper."

With pre-season training set to begin next week, Gilmartin cannot wait to get back into the swing of things – and is enthused about the youthful look of the squad.

He added: "I think it is credit to Mick Halsall – he was the first person I was affiliated with at the club and him not leaving for Stoke is a massive positive for the club.

"I give him great thanks for what he has done for me and the other lads.

"I do see it being quite a young set-up and there will be a lot of people hungry to play.

"In Michael Ricketts, Stephen Hughes and Paul Boertien we have had experienced heads leave.

"But at the same time we have great young players like Mark Bradley, Alex Nicholls and Richard Taundry come through plus the likes of Manny Smith and Netan Sansara who made their mark last season.

"Hopefully this young squad can take Walsall to where they want to be."

The Saddlers have made no new signings this week but hope tricky winger Sofiene Zaaboub will extend his stay with the club when he returns from holiday next week.

Walsall have been linked with defender Ian Breckin, available on a free from Nottingham Forest, and, more intriguingly, former Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday star Benito Carbone.

The 37-year-old midfielder showed he has still has talent in abundance with a virtuoso display for Villa at the Midland Masters event at the NEC recently.

After the tournament, Carbone expressed a desire to return to English football and Walsall were one of the clubs linked due to the Italian's past links with the Midlands and the fact he worked under Chris Hutchings at Bradford.