Express & Star

Walsall believing in striker Rory Gaffney

Walsall assistant manager Brian Dutton says the club ‘believe’ in Rory Gaffney’s ability as the striker fights to hit top form in a Saddlers shirt.

Published
Last updated

The Irishman, on loan from Salford, has struggled in the Black Country since his arrival in the summer with his only goal for Walsall coming in the 2-1 loss away at Swindon at the beginning of November.

He has since been given time out of the team before starting both cup fixtures against Oxford and Chelsea under 21s.

The 30-year-old played 90 minutes against the Premier League youngsters and was harshly denied a goal when the referee adjudged the striker had fouled the defender as he bundled the ball home.

But his second half performance in that game was much improved and Dutton says the management at the club still believe he has what it takes.

“With strikers, we keep saying it, it’s about catching them at the right time,” said Dutton.

“We all know inside the camp of Rory Gaffney’s qualities and what he brings to the table.

“But unfortunately it’s a case that he hasn’t managed to get that momentum yet.

“You can see with strikers, once they get that purple patch and they get on a run, they look a totally different player.

“It’ll come for Rory Gaffney, we believe in his qualities and he’s a great lad.”

Meanwhile, a blossoming strike partnership between Caolan Lavery and Josh Gordon has made for more competition up front as Gaffney and Elijah Adebayo look to dislodge them from the team.

And Dutton has praised the strikers for beginning to hit form.

“They’ve come to the party, the strikers,” he added.

“They’ve been performing all season in terms of out of possession and putting a shift in for the team.

“But now the goals are starting to come amongst them.

“There’s that competition element there and that’s what we want.

“Long may it continue.”