Walsall striker Alex Nicholls has fired a warning to League One defences and roared – ‘now watch me go.’

The 22-year-old is primed to face Oldham tomorrow after making his first start since October in the 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers in midweek.

Nicholls replaced Darren Byfield and, with the struggling Latics in his sights,  insists there will be no mercy in the bid to prove himself as the Saddlers’ frontline striker.

He said: “I need to take my chance and I’m telling you now I will. I’ve got to score goals and I’m putting pressure on myself to do that, because I’m good enough to play up front in this league.

“The right wing wasn’t really suiting me and I wasn’t fulfilling my potential, but now I’ve got a chance to take it with both hands. I intend to keep my place.”

Nicholls had previously revealed his frustrations while on the fringes of the Saddlers’ squad, but reckons his patience has paid off because he never moaned.

He said: “I’ve spoken to family and friends and, although I was happy to be in the team, I know I’m much better up front, I can give more to the team and I’m more confident. Whether I start tomorrow is out of my hands, I did as much as I could and I’ve done everything the gaffer has asked.

“I’ve had to be patient but the chance has come now and I really want to make the most of it.”

Nicholls has targeted former Albion defender Sean Gregan as his first victim at Boundary Park tomorrow.

The Saddlers hitman believes the veteran centre-back will struggle against his pace and wants an early goal to silence the home crowd.

He said: “Gregan isn’t the quickest and it’ll be a perfect game for me to play in. I’m not going to take it for granted I’m going to play, because then you’re asking for trouble but hopefully I can.

“If we go there and start with a good tempo their fans will round on them, because of the form they’re in. If we get an early goal hopefully the floodgates will open.”

Walsall are again without Rhys Weston and Steve Jones, but can welcome back Manny Smith to the squad after the defender shook off a thigh injury.