Russell building self-belief

Coaches at Wigan Athletic feel that the club will be in safe hands when the time comes for 18-year-old goalkeeper Russell Saunders to be given a chance in the first team.

Academically he’s impressing as well and has earned praise for his application to the AASE programme – at which he will hopefully receive a full framework.

A club spokesman says that Russell is definitely one for the future. “You couldn’t ask for a better trainer. His potential is there for all to see. He has listened to what we’ve said to him and learned from it.

“He definitely got all the qualities you need to make it as a goalkeeper and he also knows he’s got to keep learning and learning.”

Russell, who was injured recently while on loan to Altrincham, has already done practical coaching sessions for Under 10s and Under 11s at Wigan’s Centre of Excellence. He stresses that working with the other goalkeepers has helped his progress. “I’ve been so lucky to work under a coach of Gary Walsh’s experience and to train with the other three ‘keepers here. They’ve all been great to me, pushing me to new levels and helping me to build self-belief.

“Now I just need to keep focusing and keep learning. This is a terrific opportunity and I want to make the most of it.”

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