Kieron Morris: Belief is key for Walsall

Winger Kieron Morris thinks greater belief remains the key to any Walsall promotion challenge this season.

The 21-year-old reckons the Saddlers have more than enough quality in the squad to push for the play-offs.

But he acknowledges the key to any success likely lies between the ears, saying: "We have the ability in the team and there are some great players in the squad.

"If we can just believe it - I think that is what we need, a bit of belief. If that happens then we have a good chance."

This week's thrilling 4-3 Capital One Cup first round win over Nottingham Forest did no harm in that regard.

Morris believes Dean Smith's squad have carried over their form from pre-season when they impressed in friendlies against both Albion and Villa.

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He said: "I think we had a great pre-season this year and we have taken it into the start of the campaign.

"On Tuesday everyone was on their game and we put them (Forest) on the back foot from the start. That is where we got our two goals from. It was just a great game."

With Smith showing an appetite for changing tactics and line-ups, Morris is one of several attacking players battling to get into the side and has been pinpointed by the manager as a source of goals.

Morris netted twice during the final eight games of last season having been recalled from a loan spell at Wrexham.

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Walsall relied heavily on 20-goal Tom Bradshaw last term and Smith has made no secret of the need for others to step up.

He said: "Other people have to chip in and Romaine Sawyers is getting in the box a lot more. He has been in the box twice now and scored - he knows what is required of him.

"The likes of Jordan Cook, he has had to come on and do a job. Anthony Forde has come on and done a job. James Baxendale is unfortunate not to have got in and Kieron Morris as well.

"We have players who will score goals."

Meanwhile, young Walsall striker Amadou Bakayoko has joined up with non-league AFC Telford United, who play in the National League North, on loan.

The big frontman is highly-rated and has made 10 first-team appearances for the Saddlers.

The Sierra Leone-born teenager, 19, played 11 games on loan in the National League for Southport last season, where he scored twice, and now drops into the North with the Bucks.