Don Givens has urged Walsall to keep faith with Rene Gilmartin in spite of the goalkeeper’s blunder against Huddersfield on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 manager watched as the stopper allow Andy Booth’s weak effort to squirm out of his hands and in.

It was 2-0 to Walsall at the time and they eventually lost 3-2.

Givens, who handed Gilmartin his international debut, insists the Saddlers need to persevere with him.

He said: “It’s always very difficult for young keepers. No matter who they are, or what level they’re at, teams want experienced keepers.

“So for young ones making their way through, like Rene, it’s very, very difficult.

“They have to be very patient, because everyone wants experience.

“But how can they get experience if they’re not playing? It’s hard for Rene, but it’s good he’s getting a bit of a run.”

Gilmartin, being 22 at the end of May, is almost out of Givens’ international jurisdiction, but the 59-year-old hopes the goalkeeper, whose deal expires in the summer, will be offered new terms at the Banks’s Stadium

The national boss said: ““Hopefully he’ll get the time at Walsall and his contract renewed. He’s been doing quite well.

“I worked with Rene and he’s a good size, a good lad who works hard and he just needs a bit of time to develop.  It’s great he’s getting a chance.

“I’m delighted he’s in and getting a bit of a run.”