Walsall keeper Clayton Ince has revealed how stopping shots of a different kind has given him the spirit for another crack at the Championship. The Trinidad and Tobago international puts his status as one of League one's most wanted goalies down to cutting out the rum and cokes.
"My lifestyle has changed a lot because on a Saturday night when some of the guys go night-clubbing and stuff I choose not to," said Ince.
"During the season I look at my alcohol intake and I try not to drink any at all. Occasionally if there's a players do or something I might, but it's all controlled. I don't overdo it.
"In the close season you can afford to do that because you need to take some time off and celebrate getting through the season.
"It doesn't hurt to have a couple of weeks just letting yourself go, but after that you have to prepare yourself for the beginning of the next season.
"It's not hard work because I'm not much of a nightlife person. I'll do it occasionally, but I don't live to go out at the weekend.
"I look at my job as a serious job and you have to take care of your body and make sure when you come in on a Monday morning you can give the manager your best."
Ince's sensible drinking habits have helped him mature like a fine wine and produce a consistent level of performance during his two years at Walsall.
But with his current contract expiring at the end of the season the Caribbean keeper's high standards have alerted several potential suitors. Ince has no immediate plans to leave Walsall, but he is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible and admits he is keeping his options open.
"It's a bit flattering when other clubs recognise your performances and your experience," he said. "But I haven't been approached by Walsall saying that they know about interest from other clubs, so I can't comment on the speculation.
"This is the last season of my contract and the club hasn't spoken to me yet about a continuation here so by the Christmas period I will be open to negotiations with any other clubs.
"I just keep myself fit and keep my standard of play high and what comes next nobody knows."
Having played most of his career in the Championship Ince believes he is still good enough to perform in the second tier of English football.
But the big keeper has an optimistic out-look and reckons the glass is half full regarding Walsall's chances of promotion.
"I still think I can play in the Championship and if we show the right dedication to improve then it could be with Walsall," added Ince.
"In League one you're allowed a couple of mistakes, but in the Championship you'll get punished for it so your concentration and ability have to be at a higher standard.
"I played about seven years in the Championship and only one season in a lower division with Crewe so I've got a good idea what it's like in the Championship.
"There have been a lot of changes at Walsall with the new training ground, new management and a lot of new players, but if the attitude is right things will only get better."
Ince will be hoping for another warm welcome and another clean sheet when he returns to Crewe with Walsall next Saturday.