Defender James O'Connor stays on front foot

James O'Connor has vowed Walsall will continue their commitment to attacking football when they face League One strugglers Crewe tomorrow.

Steve Davis' side arrive at the Banks's Stadium sat second bottom in the table with only one win from their nine games so far this season.

In stark contrast, Walsall are flying high in the automatic promotion slots and also put in a spirited display against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.

O'Connor believes that success is down to boss Dean Smith implementing a more attacking style, a style which actually makes his life easier.

"This team has matured a lot over the last six to 12 months both on and off the pitch," O'Connor said. "I have said to Paul Downing quite a few times that last year we went into games set up not to concede.

"But this year we are so attacking, if we can keep a good defensive record we will win a lot more games.

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"We knew we had to be stronger and our belief has grown. The attacking options the gaffer has got means players are always giving him headaches.

"It's great for me as a defender because if you're on the front foot it helps you defend."

"And when the score is 0-0 I always feel we are going to score."

Meanwhile, boss Smith believes tomorrow's opponents Crewe are a fantastic example to teams looking develop their own players and identity.

The Railwaymen have been famous over the years for bringing through young, English players such as Dean Ashton, Ashley Westwood and Danny Murphy.

"They have brought through many top players and they are a beacon to clubs like ourselves and others in League One," Smith said. "They do it very well and will come here full of confidence after beating Shrewsbury last week.

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