Walsall's Matt Preston relishing pressure at the top

Matt Preston is relishing the pressure of Saddlers' high-profile games, saying it brings out the best in the promotion-chasers.

Walsall face a crucial double-header with a home clash against fourth-placed Wigan followed by the trip to leaders Burton Albion.

And Preston is desperate to get back to winning ways after Walsall let points slip from their grasp at Crewe.

The young defender said: "We feel that the next two games are crucial to our season.

"And if we play like we did against Crewe then I feel we have got more than enough capability to push on and win those games.

"Then we will have to see how the rest of the season goes.

"It's great to play against those kind of teams.

"I enjoy playing every game though. It doesn't matter about the circumstances."

He added: "It's great to be part of but it also adds pressure because it raises standards and you know you have to meet them.

"That is good because you have to bring the best of what you have got in every game. It helps push you on."

The 20-year-old Brummie said Walsall need to take their chances after spurning opportunities in the 1-1 draw at Gresty Road last weekend.

"It's fair for the fans to think we dropped two points against Crewe," added Preston.

"And they didn't deserve a draw – they deserved to see us win.

"We were dominant in my opinion. But again we needed to score the goals. We played well but didn't take our chances.

"The fans, though, have been great this year.

"With the position that we are in, they are really getting behind us.

"It gives you a boost when you are on the pitch and you can hear that many chanting for you. They are great."