Walsall manager Dean Smith has saluted “special” Emmanuel Ledesma after his heroics against Hartlepool kept the Saddlers in the survival hunt.

The super-sub led Smith’s men to a stunning victory as they recovered from 2-0 down to win 5-2 in the last half an hour on Saturday.

Ledesma capped the game with the fifth goal – his first for the club – and, after his 34-minute cameo, the Saddlers boss ailed his Argentine ace.

Smith said: “Emmanuel is a special player. He’s a player who can make a difference and the lads see it in training every day.

“He’s got confidence and that’s why you know when you throw him on he’s going to play with freedom because it’s in his culture, he’s come from the streets of Buenos Aires.

“The way he plays can be frustrating because, if you’re playing with him, sometimes he’ll try the million dollar ball but sometimes it comes off.

“In front of me he lifted the ball over his marker and went the other side and it’s something different – that’s what I like about him.”

Despite Ledesma’s efforts, Walsall stayed fourth-bottom of League One after wins for Dagenham and Yeovil but Smith backed the 22-year-old to handle the survival scrap.

He said: “Emmanuel not the biggest lad but he’s got strength, can keep players at bay and will shoot from anywhere. He’s got a great touch and great feet and the goalkeeper made two great saves from him.

“With the free kick there were a few trying to battle for the ball but he grabbed it. He deserved it. The kid is a good player, I’ve seen him in training and that’s the reason why we’ve got him.

“He will score goals but I’m not sure about his celebration because he nearly broke my nose.”

Ledesma set-up Darren Byfield’s leveller after Will Grigg had pulled one back and further goals from Julian Gray and Manny Smith sealed the win.

But Smith admitted he fired a half-time rocket after their first-half horror show.

He said: “It was harsh, a few home truths, but the players accepted it because they knew they were below par.

“We can’t afford to do that against any team in this division because it’s such a tight league.”