Walsall midfielder Josh O’Keefe has outlined his determination to keep his Saddlers’ starting spot at Brentford.

The 20-year-old is primed to deputise again for Achilles injury victim Dwayne Mattis in the FA Cup second round tomorrow, after finally making his full debut in the 3-0 win over Oldham on Tuesday.

It took O’Keefe four months to force his way into the starting XI following a summer switch from Blackburn and the player isn’t about to let his place go.

He said: “I need to make it happen in the second half of the season, I need to play, get involved and do what I can.

“The manager has told me to bide my time, be patient and I will get a chance.”

O’Keefe made his bow against Tranmere in September but has been forced to watch from the sidelines as his team-mates moved to within two points of League One’s play-offs.

He said: “I’m full of confidence, the lads make it easy for me so it was great to come in and play.”

It is just six days since the teams drew 1-1 at Griffin Park and O’Keefe reckons the Saddlers are confident of extending their five-game unbeaten run.

He added: “We know their strengths and weaknesses so we know what do to. It’s true they know ours but we finished the game the stronger.”