'That's why he's had such a long career' - Big praise for Walsall 'respectful' stalwart Aden Flint

Former Bristol City and Cardiff stalwart Flint, 36, has made a telling impact since checking in at Bescot in the summer and opened his scoring account by breaking the deadlock in Saturday's win at Accrington Stanley to send the Saddlers top.

The giant centre-back, who is two appearances short of his 600 professional career appearance, has won praise from Sadler as an example for younger defenders around him.

Flint lined up in between two 23 year olds in Evan Weir and Harrison Burke in Accrington and head coach Sadler also acknowledged the "respect" the defender showed to fellow senior colleague Jamille Matt late on.

"He really is," Sadler said when asked how influential Flint is. "He talks and the guys look up to him.

"He's respectful as well. I loved seeing Jamille come on the pitch and then Aden would sprint over to pass that armband on. That, to me, shows respect throughout the whole team that is so, so important. We have to hold on to that throughout the challenges of the season.

"That's what good teams have. They have the respect of each other, the trust of each other and can be honest with each other."

Sadler added: "We've got Priestley (Farquharson) waiting in the wings. We've got Rico (Browne), Dan Cox, who's not here today. We've got guys that will learn so, so much from being around him. We want them to pick up those bits and pieces.

"If it's just communication or the way he holds himself or the work he does, whatever it is, because there's reasons why you have such a long career."