Neil Etheridge: I knew Liam Roberts would become number one

Now at Cardiff, Etheridge spent two years at Walsall from 2015-2017.

At the time, Roberts was coming through the academy ranks and Etheridge always knew he would go on to become an important player for the club.

“For me, he always had potential,” he told the Express & Star. “A great big unit and he was always willing to learn and do things that I’ve seen other goalkeepers not do.

“I always thought that he would step into the number one shirt when the time was right.

“For any player it’s always tough to go from the bench to playing, but he’s done that very well.

“In the goalkeeping world he’s very highly thought of.

“He’s always had a big personality. He’s a Walsall lad. He knew when to keep his mouth shut and when to play games and as a goalkeeper, a personality like that is a massive factor.

“I always enjoyed training alongside him, he was always a pleasure. He was happy to train every day, which was the main thing.

“I haven’t seen him play as much as I would like to, but there’s no doubt in my mind that he would learn and once he got the chance to be number one, he’d take it with both hands.”