STEVE Perrin believes Chris Snoddy should keep the number one jersey at Chippenham Town after his terrific display against Merthyr Tydfil.

The former Forest Green Rovers goalkeeper, who is currently sidelined with a groin injury, was full of praise for his young understudy after Saturday's game.

Perrin said: "If he continues to play like that why should he be dropped?

"It's healthy to have competition for places. With my injury it's nice to know that Chris can come in and perform as well as he has done."

Though Perrin recognises Snoddy's growing potential, he does not believe the 21-year-old has the mental toughness to withstand a full season in the Southern Premier League.

"Chris is so quiet and shy. Once he gets that bit of arrogance about him that all good goalkeepers need he can play at whatever level he likes.

"In training, he's willing to listen and learn. It's always been our aim since I came here to get Chris ready to be my replacement.

"I take it as a compliment to me and Ian Harris (goalkeeping coach) that he's developing as quickly as he is doing."

Snoddy has made his name as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the Toolstation League with First Division outfit Biddestone.

He is currently involved in a tug-of-war between Chippenham and their north Wiltshire neighbours, who had to call on 16-year-old stopper Antony Brown to replace him on Saturday.

With the Bluebirds looking to trim their wage bill it is unlikely Snoddy will be offered a contract at Hardenhuish Park, but that does not bother him at the moment.

"I don't get involved in the politics of football," he said.

"I just want to play at the highest level I can. The situation is that Chippenham will call on me if Steve is injured.

"I know that's not ideal for Biddestone because it means they may have to find somebody at short notice.

"The club have stuck by me for three years, when I was young and inexperienced, so I don't want to mess them around."

Biddestone boss Graham Learmonth said the situation was far from ideal.

"We want to develop young players and see them move up the football ladder if they get the chance," he said.

"But the way things are at the moment, Steve Perrin could get injured on Friday and we're stuck without a goalkeeper.

"Chris is as good as anything we've seen at this level so of course it's a big blow every time he doesn't play.

"I just hope we can resolve the situation soon so everybody knows where they stand."

Ironically, Snoddy could be a doubt for Chippenham's trip to Tiverton Town tomorrow with a sore groin.