Stand-in told to expect tough test

Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen has told stand-in goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin to expect a tougher test against Peterborough United.

The Posh travel to the Banks’s Stadium after an impressive 2-0 win against Leeds United last Saturday, before a disappointing 1-0 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday.

Gilmartin will continue to deputise for regular number one Clayton Ince, who is away with Trinidad and Tobago, after he played in the 2-1 win at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Mullen has warned the 21-year-old Irishman to be wary of the threat of Darren Ferguson’s side.

He said: “His major test will come against Peterborough on Saturday. I just think they will be a different proposition with no disrespect to Cheltenham. He’ll be able to set his marker and if he does his job and deserves to stay there, then so be it.

“He’s been patient, been given his chance and has taken it.”

The Saddlers head into the game on the back of a five game unbeaten run, something Mullen wants to extend.

He said: “We have won four and drawn one of the last five and looked a good side. We want to keep that going. Everyone is working their socks off and they are grinding out results, which they deserve to get because their work ethic is fantastic.

“If these lads keep playing in the manner we are we will continue to ruffle a few feathers. We have set standards and we have got to keep to them.

“If we go below them we are not only letting ourselves down but our supporters down.”

Mullen’s squad is boosted by the return from suspension of Rhys Weston and Netan Sansara but he is without Mark Bradley, who is on international duty with the Wales under-21 squad. Sofiene Zaaboub is also struggling with a groin injury.

A string of international call-ups have left Posh with a defensive problem with first choice centre backs Craig Morgan and Gabriel Zakuani away with Wales and DR Congo respectively.

Goalkeeper Joe Lewis is with the England under-21 side and, with Mark Tyler on loan at Watford, third choice stopper James McKeown should start.

Former Saddlers duo Dean Keates and Chris Westwood are struggling with knee and calf injuries respectively but could feature.

Former Wolves target Aaron Mclean is definitely out, after dislocating his elbow against Bristol Rovers last month, with Jamie Day has been ruled out for the season with a back injury.

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