Walsall's Liam Roberts is growing into role of No.1

The 23-year-old has made the Saddlers number one jersey his own since replacing Mark Gillespie back in January.

A local lad, Roberts was named the man of the match following Walsall’s 1-0 win over Bury on Saturday.

He will now be part of the team that contests another relegation six-pointer at Oldham tonight.

And the youngster admitted he has been happy with his recent form.

“It’s been a good season for me personally and, overall, I think I have done well,” Roberts said. “I think my performances are getting more consistent.

“I have played more than 20 games now and I feel more confident.

“When you get a good run of games under your belt, you know what to expect and you can go into games and enjoy them.

“Goalkeeping is all about confidence and at the minute I feel like I have got it.

“Now I have to work hard to ensure I keep doing what I have been doing and improve further.”

Walsall, who are 18th in League One, face an Oldham side tonight who sit just one place below them.

And Roberts admits it’s another huge game.

“Bury was massive – we needed the three points more than a performance which tells you how big it was, “ the keeper continued.

“And now Oldham is just as big. They are below us in the table, it’s a game in hand for us on some teams and if we win it’s another step closer to safety.

“Beating Bury gave us confidence. We also kept a clean sheet. So we are going into this game with something to build on.”

Meanwhile, Roberts admits he is enjoying working with new boss Dean Keates.

“He (Keates) is brilliant,” the keeper added.

“He is a really nice guy. He’s local the same as me and is really down to earth.

“He just wants everyone to work hard and progress as a group.

“He was unbelievable for the club as a player. And I know he is going to do well in his managerial career as well.”