Walsall defender Manny Smith reckons he has learned to trust himself after becoming a key figure in the team.

The centre-hlaf has made the step from the fringes under boss Chris Hutchings and has played the last 14 games, as the Saddlers fell short of a League One play-off spot.

He has capitalised on Stephen Roberts’ long-term absence and is in line to face MK Dons at Stadium MK on Saturday.

Now the 20-year-old insists his self belief and watching defensive partner Anthony Gerrard has helped him improve.

He said: “I’ve learnt to be more demanding from the players around me and trust my own ability.

“If I don’t trust in me then no-one will. You need to do what you can and not what you can’t.

“When you are playing with players like Anthony Gerrard, experienced pla-yers, they help you through the games. You can feel yourself getting better every match.”

But the spectre of failure is driving Smith on to success. He knows he could lose his place at any time, despite the threadbare nature of the Saddlers’ squad.

He and Gerrard are the only two fit recognised senior central-backs at the Banks’s.

Long-term injury victim Stephen Roberts, who has been out since December, will have an operation on his back in a bid to cure the persistent problem.

Boss Chris Hutchings said: “Everyone is fit apart from Robbo who goes in for his operation today. We hope that is successful and wish him a speedy recovery for next season.”