Stoke City goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has his sights firmly set on a future berth in the number one shirt.
The stopper, who turned 20 in December, has captained England’s under 20 side in three of his six caps and is currently shining on loan at Walsall, with his 11 clean sheets helping the Saddlers to reach the League Two summit.
After he penned a new three-and-a-half year contract at the bet365 Stadium, the Academy product believes his experiences at the Bescot Stadium, his fifth loan spell in senior football, continue to aid his development towards becoming the Potters’ number one.
“I’m over the moon to be here and to continue my journey,” Simkin explained. “I love being a Stoke City player and my family love me being part of the club.
“My aim is to be Stoke City’s number one in the future and every game I play on loan gives me more experience and takes me closer to that goal.
“Walsall has been an unbelievable experience; I live five minutes from the ground so, while I am not an Academy player there, I feel like one of their own.
“I have played consistently for them, which is massive for my development at my age, whilst it has also given me consistency in my game.
“The gaffer [Mark Robins] and I have had a good chat about my experiences at Walsall, football in general, where I can improve and the differences between playing club and international football.
“Short term, I want to carry on playing well and helping the team, and clearly promotion and winning the league are the aims for us in the final three months of the season.
“From there I look forward to returning to Clayton Wood in the summer and working with the Manager, his staff, Darren Behcet and the goalkeeping group.”
With experienced goalkeeper coach Behcet and more than 800 senior appearances between Sweden number one Viktor Johansson, Jack Bonham and Frank Fielding back at base, Simkin says the support from the ‘GK union’ is priceless as he forges his own career in the game.
“I speak to Viktor, Jack and Frank a lot and their experience has helped me so much,” the 20-year-old continued.
“Viktor is having an unbelievable season and for him to take time out of his day to help me as a young goalkeeper is massive.
“Jack is brilliant, he has been through the leagues on the journey I am on now, so his experience helps me a lot.
“Frankie is always a phone call away too; everyone knows the character he is around the place, and his support is priceless for someone my age.”