Colchester United goalkeeper coach Rene Gilmartin says it would be ‘naïve’ for him to talk about Sam Walker’s future at the club.

The reliable shot-stopper is out of contract at the U’s, this summer and is expected to leave to join a Championship side.

Walker had been an ever-present for Colchester in the league this season prior to Dillon Barnes starting both of their final two games of their League Two campaign, against Exeter and Swindon Town.

Barnes is in contention to start next season as the U’s number one keeper if Walker departs - but Gilmartin would not be drawn on who might start the 2018-19 campaign in goal.

Gilmartin told the Daily Gazette: “To talk about who’s going to be playing in goal next season would be very naïve of me.

“There’s a lot more that needs to happen like Sam Walker’s contract and stuff like that, so it’s difficult to answer that.

“He’s one of a number of players here who can play at a higher level.

“But they all want to push this football club to a higher level and that’s the number one objective here, for both the players and the staff.

“Can we push the club up to the next level? We have the players to do that.

“Sam has had a great season – everyone here knows that and he’s been superb for the team this season.

“He’s a top goalkeeper and a top individual.

“It comes down to the type of person he is.

“He wants to play in every minute of every game and top players want to do that.

“But when Dillon Barnes plays, he’s going to be supportive to that other goalkeeper and the manager makes that decision.

“It showed the class of the man with the way that he supported Dillon with the warm up and even in the dressing room (against Swindon and Exeter).”