Maik Taylor wants rival to challenge Liam Roberts at Walsall

Former Northern Ireland international Taylor was announced as the Saddlers new goalkeeping coach on Wednesday.

In Roberts, Walsall have a shot-stopper with undoubted potential but a dip in form saw him dropped to the bench for the final four games of last season.

And after Chris Dunn left to join Maidenhead, Taylor says the Saddlers need to bring in at least one other keeper this summer.

“I am really looking forward to working with Liam – I have heard lots of good things about him,” the former Blues keeper said.

“We will assess him as we go along and the more I see of him, we will look on ways to improve him and to fulfil the potential that I am hearing about.

“I am looking forward to getting him in and then we will address the situation because we need to bring another goalkeeper in, maybe two.

“I am looking forward to working with them all and then we can go from there.”

Taylor believes competition for places is vital if you are to have a successful side.

“I think competition, not just in the goalkeeping department but across the board is massively important,” the 47-year-old added.

“Nobody is guaranteed a start, you have got to earn the right.

“If you start the season and the jersey is yours, then it is your responsibility and your chance to keep it.

“There is a lot of pressure on the number one being in the team and being able to perform week in, week out and have that level of consistency.

“Mistakes are part and parcel of the game, it’s just human nature in a way but it is important that you learn from your mistakes.

“It’s now a learning period for Liam. He has played a handful of games and his confidence and experience will slowly grow.

“There is no question we will get somebody in to push Liam all the way. Then we as a team will benefit if that competition pushes Liam to produce the kind of performances that are going to keep him in the team.”