Dwayne Mattis revealed his shock after being handed the Walsall captaincy but reckons the moment will live with him forever.

The midfielder skippered Saddlers to a 1-0 win at Leyton Orient on Saturday – the first time he has been captain in his career – after Stephen Hughes was left on the bench and Anthony Gerrard was injured.

Mark Bradley’s first half goal sealed victory and added to Mattis’ delight on his big day.

He said: “It’s one of my biggest achievements. I’ve played in every league except the Premier League but to captain Walsall is definitely something which I will always remember, especially after getting the three points.

“When Gez (Gerrard) went off against Brighton, Rhys (Weston) took the armband so we all thought he would be captain, but the gaffer came to me before the game and said ‘you’re the skipper’.

“It was a surprise but an honour.”