Walsall defender Rhys Weston believes the Saddlers start to the season should breed confidence when compared to last year.
The Saddlers sit seventh in League One in this year’s embryonic campaign and Weston is delighted at their current standing.
This time last year the team had five points from seven games, rather than 10 points from six matches after Saturday’s 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers.
He said: “Without drawing too many comparisons to last season, it is a damn sight better than what we had this time last year.
“We’ve had an indifferent start to the season. Some good performances when we haven’t got the results we have particularly deserved - but Saturday’s result should instil confidence in the boys.
“Dwyane Mattis came back and did well, Michael Ricketts and people are coming back at the right time, so it is looking good. We can build for the next few weeks.”
The return of key players, including Weston, means manager Jimmy Mullen has the luxury of leaving some out of his matchday squad completely.
Paul Boertien and Sofiene Zaaboub watched from the stands on Saturday.
Weston said: “It shows a lot for our strength as a group, we know whoever comes in and whoever is selected will do the best job they possibly can.
“We have got some good players in the squad and it is testament to the group of players we have got that people miss out.
“As a makeshift back four thrown together at the last minute on Saturday I felt we coped fairly well.”
Weston switched from right back to the centre following Anthony Gerrard’s head injury. If Gerrard doesn’t recover in time for the trip to Brighton on Saturday, Weston will be ready to step into the breach again.
He said: “I have played most of my competitive football at right back but I enjoy playing centre back.”
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