Goalkeeping understudy Rene Gilmartin admits he is feeling the pressure to perform as he bids to earn a new Walsall contract.

The 21-year-old was unhappy with his display as he deputised for Clayton Ince – on international duty with Trinidad and Tobago – in the 1-1 draw with Cheltenham on Saturday.

Gilmartin is out of contract in the summer and wants to prove to boss Chris Hutchings he is worthy of a new deal.

He said: “When you know your contract is up you’re killing yourself in your head. I spoke to the gaffer two or three weeks ago and he said there was a lot of people in the same boat.

“He would prefer to have it done soon but the way the club is they hold out for a bit longer.

“I would love to stay and kick on and improve, I want to fight Clayton for a place.”

The Irishman believes he is ready to replace Ince as the Saddlers’ number one.

He said: “I can’t say I’m not ready, I’m ready now and I want to push Clayton. I’m an ambitious guy.

“I’m 21 now and at the start of the next season I’ll be 22. I’m trying to carve out this career for myself and I need to play a few more games.”

But he admits, after making just eight appearances this season, he becomes nervous ahead of games.

He added: “It’s like having a debut every time you play, because they are few and far between.”