Dean Smith praises Walsall goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell
Dean Smith today hailed Walsall's "safety blanket" Richard O'Donnell and backed the goalkeeper to be even better next season.
O'Donnell proved a real success for the Saddlers after signing as a free agent last summer.
The 25-year-old played every minute of every game in all competitions, was handed a new contract in January and rounded off the campaign by being named players' player of the season.
Smith has been delighted with the former Sheffield Wednesday man's impact and has cited his presence as a key reason for the Saddlers having one of League One's meanest defences.
But he believes O'Donnell is still far from the finished article and expects him to keep on improving.
Smith said: "I think the goalkeeper is always important because - and I say this having been a defender myself - you look over your shoulder and you want the safety blanket, he has certainly given us that.
"What he showed when he came in pre-season was a lot of potential and he has worked really hard to get better.
"He is by no means the finished article and he has agreed with that. But it's a testament to him how hard he has worked with (goalkeeping coach) Neil Cutler."
