Richard O'Donnell told to stick with Walsall

Richard O'Donnell's Walsall team-mates are urging the goalkeeper to stick with the Saddlers.

The club's No 1 is out of contract in the summer and yet to indicate whether he will accept the offer of a new two-year deal at the Banks's Stadium.

Midfielder Sam Mantom has revealed the rest of the dressing room are doing their best to persuade the 26-year-old to stay in the Midlands.

Mantom said: "I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the league, if not the best, so obviously I want him to stay.

"You can see how well he has done for us, how many goals he has kept out – he has probably saved us 10 or 12 points this season.

"Everyone is trying to nibble at his ear to persuade him but at the end of the day it is up to him."

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="Is Richard O'Donnell better off at Walsall?" button="Log in and start commenting"]

O'Donnell had made 105 consecutive starts for the Saddlers before being left out of last Saturday's 2-0 win over Oldham, in favour of reserve Craig MacGillivray.

This season he has kept 21 clean sheets – just two short of Jimmy Walker's all-time record.

Left-back Andy Taylor admits the goalkeeper has played a huge role in the Saddlers' impressive defensive statistics.

Taylor said: "He is a reliable character and person. He has had a terrific season. As a back five, we pride ourselves on the clean sheet record.

"Obviously, he (O'Donnell) is a good goalkeeper and you want good players at your club."

Walsall are also running the rule over AFC Telford shot-stopper James Montgomery. The 21-year-old played 90 minutes for the club's reserves in yesterday's goalless draw against Tranmere at Chasetown.