SAINTS goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu admitted he has never scored in the number one role – but insists he does not care that his wait goes on.

The Republic of Ireland international wheeled away to celebrate a 95th-minute equaliser at Preston North End on Wednesday.

Although Ryan Fraser’s corner came off of Ched Evans under pressure from the leaping Bazunu, Deepdale’s stadium announcer called it the Irishman’s goal.

It secured Saints a point when they were far from their best against fourth in the Championship, with the match finishing 2-2.

However, Bazunu, who also made a stunning save just before half-time to deny Will Keane from close range, was informed that his record would not be bolstered after the match.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: “At the time, I didn’t care. I was just celebrating, I knew I was involved in it and that’s all that matters – whether it goes down as mine or not, it’s irrelevant.

“I’ve not scored before but I have hit the crossbar with a header from a corner at a young age, and I do enjoy it whenever I get the chance to go up.

“As a goalkeeper, it’s rare to be able to affect the game that heavily. It’s a special one for me to look back on,” Bazunu added.

“I played my part to get ourselves a point in a difficult game that we probably should have got all three from, but to make sure we didn’t lose our unbeaten run.”

It was the 20-cap Irishman’s second frenzied celebration of the evening, following his aforementioned save on former Manchester United man Keane.

Within a second of Bazunu’s impassioned fist bump, Jan Bednarek, Mason Holgate and Shea Charles were all sure to embrace their saviour.

“It’s so special and it’s an indicator of how far we have come as a team. The reaction from all of my teammates was brilliant,” Bazunu smiled.

“As a goalkeeper, you don’t get to experience often that moment of pure joy, like when an outfield player can score and everyone celebrates.

“For a goalkeeper, to make a big save like that and have everyone celebrate it. The more games we play together, the closer we are coming.”

He continued: “I think you have seen a real evolution in the team in those 12 or 13 games, the team has changed and inside we can feel it.

“From the outside, I expect the fans can see it too. There’s a real spirit and character within the team and the late goals we have scored recently are proof of that.”

However, when the dust settled at Deepdale, having gone one goal ahead, the dressing room shared the feeling of having dropped two points.

Manager Russell Martin told the players that they were lucky to escape with the point and that it should not have been that way, had they asserted themselves on the match.

Although Bazunu was beaten through his legs for Preston’s second, it was a positive display for him and a continued step in the right direction after a difficult debut year.

Confident in distribution, Bazunu is benefitting from the changes. On Wednesday, as the latest example, it was his claim and quick rollout that preceded Kyle Walker-Peters’ opener.

He explained: “One of the biggest messages I get from the manager is playing as early as I can.

“Whether that’s from claiming a cross and throwing it out or getting it down from a goal kick and playing out.

“Teams coming up against us want to press us as heavily as they can and if I can catch them off guard, that’s a real advantage.

“I don’t get nervous on the ball anymore. I assess it almost like a chess board, it’s reading the game. If players are running towards me, I know somebody is free.

“Then, it’s standing on the ball until I recognise who that free player is. Sometimes, you can feel other people with that sense of nervousness.

“I enjoy that. I enjoy knowing people find it nervous in that moment while I enjoy the calmness, as a player who is going to play a risky game, it’s something you have to enjoy.”