Jimmy Walker tipped to break record

Walsall legend Colin Harrison has backed Jimmy Walker to break his appearance record as the goalkeeper prepares for his 500th Saddlers outing.

Walker will make history and become only the fourth Walsall player to reach the milestone when he plays against Brentford tonight.

The 37-year-old has shelved thoughts of retirement to focus on the Saddlers' League One survival battle and is out of contract at the end of the season.

But Harrison, who made 530 outings between 1964 and 1981, mainly playing as a full-back, reckons Walker can eclipse his 30-year record.

He said: "As long as Jimmy avoids injuries, of course he can. If he stays for next season he's got a great chance.

"Look how old the Manchester United goalkeeper is, Edwin van der Sar is 40 so Jimmy is a young lad at 37.

"If Walsall want to keep him there I would imagine, if he stays fit and enjoys it, he could play on.

"I was reading the paper yesterday and he seemed to have done well on Saturday at Plymouth.

"Since he's gone back in goal they seem more solid at the back, maybe he's educating the young lads."

Walker is in his second spell with the Saddlers since a shock return last October and has made 23 appearances - adding to the 476 outings he racked up during an initial 11-year spell before leaving for West Ham in 2004.

And Harrison insists Walker deserves to be called a Walsall legend ahead of joining him, Nick Atthey and Colin Taylor - both on 502 - in the exclusive '500 club.'

The 65-year-old, who lives in Norton Canes, said: "Of course, I don't think there are many people like him and not many players achieve that many games at the same club.

"You have to be really consistent for all those years, he's a good keeper and it's a real achievement to do it.

"I don't know whether it's money which motivates players now but when I played in the youth team quite a few, about seven, stayed for 14 or 15 years.

"They seemed more loyal to the club, players like Nick Atthey and Stan Bennett.

"All I wanted to do was to play for Walsall."