Mick Kearns has urged Rene Gilmartin to sign a new deal at Walsall and insists the Banks’s Stadium is the best place for the shot-stopper.

Goalkeeping coach Kearns has overseen Gilmartin’s development Chris Hutchings arrived as manager in January and believes the 21-year-old can challenge Clayton Ince for the No 1 spot.

The Irishman and rival Ince are both considering contract offers from the Saddlers and Kearns will appeal to Gilmartin to stay.

The goalkeeping coach said: “If it was halfway through the season and he wasn’t getting a look-in, I would say maybe he would be better off going out on loan and getting games at a good standard, but in pre-season, where it’s all starting, he’s better off here.

“He’s a big lad, has everything going for him and is desperate for first-team games.

“That’s where he’s going to come on. I can coach him, but he’s going to learn far more in matches.”

Gilmartin made 11 appearances as Ince’s understudy last season and Kearns believes he is now in a better position to challenge the Trinidad and Tobago international.

He said: “I’m hopeful both will sign again, but I expect Clayton to be put under a lot more pressure by Rene.

“I don’t want him to regard himself as a reserve team goalkeeper.”