Jayson Leutwiler will have a big part to play for Shrewsbury Town – Mat Sadler
Mat Sadler is confident that shot-stopper Jayson Leutwiler can play a crucial part in securing Shrewsbury's League One status.
The Canada international was in inspired form against Walsall on Friday and his double-save after half-time will be remembered for keeping Town in the derby before Stefan Payne's leveller.
And Sadler reserved special praise for Shrews' No.1, who has come under fire recently for a couple of errors as Paul Hurst's side struggled for form throughout March.
"It's a goalkeeper's life, it's a defenders' life and it's a strikers' life if they miss penalties, it is what it is," said the stand-in skipper on fingers pointed at the keeper.
"I always say this, you've got to have big cajones to go out there on the pitch, especially when things aren't going well.
"There's no lonelier place well people are on your back. For a goalkeeper it's probably even worse because you get a lot of time stood there thinking.
"We've never doubted him for one moment. I certainly haven't. I've seen the real strengths in Jays and he'll make match-winning times between now and the end of the season. He's proved that and we're behind him."
Hurst also heaped praise on his goalkeeper after the standout Walsall display, where Leutwiler also encouraged when claiming high balls into the box.
"You're right to bring Jayson up because once or twice he's come in for some criticism but he did it when we needed him on big moments," said Hurst.
"We fell behind and then there was that save he made then got up and tipped the next one over the bar. Credit to him for that, it is his job, but they were good and crucial saves."
