Boss Deano hails fine start by super Romaine Sawyers

Walsall boss Dean Smith has heaped praise on Romaine Sawyers following the forward's outstanding start to the season.

The talented 23-year-old has wowed Saddlers fans with a string of stunning displays that have helped propel his side towards the top of League One.

It's a big turnaround for the former Albion man, who last season divided opinion among supporters. And Smith is delighted for the forward who already has five goals to his name this season, equalling his total for the 2014/15 campaign.

"Whatever has been aimed at Romaine, from his Albion days to here, he just needed to produce more assists and more goals," the boss said.

"That is something he has been targeting more and so far this season he has been excellent.

"Against Chelsea he wouldn't have looked out of place playing in their team, that is as big a compliment as I can give him.

"He's a clever kid – he must be because he went to the same school as me! But in all seriousness, he is very bright and he is taking on board what's been said to him."

Sawyers, who has operated up front and in midfield this season, has publicly thanked Smith for the faith the boss has shown in him.

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And while he didn't want to go into exactly what was said, the Saint Kitts and Nevis international revealed the pair had a good, long chat over the summer.

"I just gave him a challenge," Smith said. "I told him he can't just be seen as a deeper forward. He needed to go and produce in the box."

Smith said ever since joining Walsall on loan in March 2013, Sawyers' attitude has been first-class.

"I brought Romaine here on loan when we were pushing for the play-offs," the boss added. "He came here and played for 25 minutes, which would have frustrated a lot of people. But I saw enough of him in training and in his attitude to know that he was a good kid.

"In terms of his attitude I have never found him anything but a pleasure to work with."