Midfielder Josh O’Keefe claims being at Walsall is better than the Premier League – despite his lack of action.

The midfielder has struggled to make an impact since his summer switch from Blackburn, making just one brief substitute appearance.

The Saddlers travel to Hartlepool on Saturday with the 20-year-old battling for a midfield spot with Dwayne Mattis and Mark Bradley.

But even after a slow start to his Saddlers career O’Keefe insists he is in the right place.

He said: “I’ve learned a lot of things fast since I’ve been here, it’s a step-up from Blackburn. Even though they are in the Premier League I’m playing a higher level of football here. I’m with the first team and it’s better.

“The reserve team was fine and I was training with the first-team at Blackburn now and then but coming here I’m involved on a Saturday and Tuesday so it’s a big step up.

“I want to get in the team, start playing well and show people what I can do.”

O’Keefe made his Walsall bow 12 days ago as a late substitute at Tranmere and is confident he can become a fixture in the line-up once he gets his opportunity.

“If I get the chance I have to take it, I know what to do. I train with the lads every day and I know I can adapt to League One,” he said.