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Ibehre delighted fans kept the faith

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Leyton Orient V WALSALL FC 9 TS 21Jabo Ibehre has hailed the Walsall faithful as the reason he has never doubted himself this year.more

Leyton Orient V WALSALL FC 9 TS 21Jabo Ibehre has hailed the Walsall faithful as the reason he has never doubted himself this year.

The striker has only scored three times in 17 games during 2009 but revealed it was the Saddlers fans who have kept him going.

He netted the consolation in the 3-1 defeat to Millwall at the weekend and is set to battle it out for a starting spot with Michael Ricketts for the visit of Tranmere on Saturday.

"I never want to stop and never want to give up until the end," said the 26-year-old.

"The crowd have been great towards me, they've never let me feel the pressure and I thank them for that. I'm happy because they get behind us, it's great to have their support."

The strike at the New Den ended his nine-game goal drought and was the eighth of a hit-and-miss season for the powerhouse forward.

He said: "Thankfully it's come, it's always nice to score. I know if I'm creating goals or being a handful they will come.

"It's a game of football, you don't let it get you down and when you score you feel good, it's a nice feeling."

Ibehre insists boss Chris Hutchings will not let the side rest until after the final game of the season, at home to Oldham on May 2.

"We've got a good bunch of players and have a great manager who pushes everyone, which keeps you on your toes," he said.