Maik Taylor: Walsall's Liam Roberts can reach the top

The former Birmingham shot stopper joined the coaching team at the Banks’s Stadium in the summer, after a brief spell with Bradford.

In his first season working with homegrown star Roberts, Taylor insists he has seen traits of the ‘very best’ in the 25-year-old.

“He has all the tools to do very, very well in the game,” he said. “Some days in training he makes saves that I’ve only seen the very best make.

“He has got that potential but there are aspects we’re working on, things that we can improve on.

“The good thing about Robbo is that I can have a chat with him and work on a few things and I see him thinking about it on a match day.

“I see him taking things on board, but it won’t happen overnight, it’s a process.

“He is really keen to do well and he’s a very grounded lad.

“He’s had a difficult personal life a few years back, which he’s had to get over, but he’s extremely willing and enthusiastic to do well.

“He cares about his game and when he makes mistakes and very grounded when things go really well – it’s been a pleasure working with him.”

The understudy to Roberts is Jack Rose, who has been on-loan at the club from Southampton, and Taylor says the good relationship between the pair is crucial.

“Rosy has been very unlucky because I think he’s top drawer as well,” he added. “He understands the position and is respectful of that but he’s great to have around the place.

“He’s very encouraging to Robbo, the pair of them get on really well.

“They’re always supportive of each other so it’s a good place to be.

“Hopefully we can develop them more and if they go onto bigger and better things then they must be doing well for Walsall, and we can benefit from that.”