Mark Gillespie expecting battle for Walsall position against Liam Roberts

The 25-year-old joined the Saddlers last month after turning down the chance to stay at Carlisle, where he made 160 appearances.

But while he is widely expected to start the 2017/18 campaign as the Saddlers’ first-choice, the Newcastle-born keeper insists 22-year-old Roberts is keeping him on his toes.

“Liam Roberts is pushing me,” Gillespie said. “I have been really impressed with him so far.

“If you are working in a small group every day you need to have a good dynamic and I think we have already got that.

“We are getting on well which can only be a good thing.

“I’ll try and help him and I’m sure he’ll try and help me.”

Alongside impressing in goal, Gillespie also wants to add leadership to Walsall’s dressing room.

“I think, for a 25-year-old, I am fairly experienced and hopefully I can bring that to the changing room.

“I joined Walsall because I want to improve all areas of my game.

“I want to kick on and at the moment all I’m concentrating on is performing at my best.

“I really can’t wait for the season to start and to get a feel for the stadium and playing in front of the fans.”

Meanwhile, Gillespie believes the support of Saddlers’ fans will be crucial if the team is going to mount a promotion push in the new season.

“I think League One will be quite even,” he said. “If you look at the three sides who came up – you have got three strong sides there.

“The teams coming down from the Championship will also be strong. It’s going to be tough but it’s going to be enjoyable.”