Alex Nicholls has revealed Walsall’s secret mantra for success this season – win the battle and you will win the game.
The Saddlers visit Brighton tomorrow afternoon looking to seal back-to-back wins after their impressive 3-1 victory at Bristol Rovers last weekend – and the 20-year-old feels their battling ethos will beat teams.
Nicholls said: “In this league, if you win the battle of working hard, then you’re more than likely going to win. We went to Rovers knowing it was going to be tough but we worked harder than them and won and we can do the same against Brighton.”
“Since pre-season, we’ve said we’re one of the fittest teams in the league. The gaffer and his assistant have said we have to earn the right to play.
“In the first ten or 15 minutes we have to get about them and then start playing after that. It has been the motto for the season, really.”
The former youth player made a successful return to the starting line-up for the victory over Rovers at the Memorial Stadium, having started the opening four games but then been dropped following the defeat at Crewe.
He was honest enough to admit he deserved to get dropped.
He said: “I was in the team at the start of the season but the gaffer made the decision to freshen it up a bit and pulled me out.
“My form at the time was a little up and down and I had no consistency.
“That’s what happens when you’re young. You’re going to have dips in form. It’s up to the manager to nurture you a little and pull you out when you need to come out.
“I’m still young and I have a lot to learn.”
Nicholls was forced to play on the right of midfield last weekend after Jabo Ibehre and Michael Ricketts got the nod up front, but Alex says he is beginning to feel more comfortable out wide.
He said: “Everyone knows I’d prefer to play up front, but everyone also knows as long as I’m in the team I’ll play anywhere. Any player would say the same.
“I’ve played there [wide right] quite a lot over the last few years so I’m getting used to it and it’s coming a bit more natural.”
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