"What I need" - Rico Richards sets sights on Walsall revival after stop-start loan
Rico Richards is hopeful his first league start for Walsall will serve as a catalyst to his revival after a stop-start loan at Bescot.
The 22-year-old, who is on loan from local rivals Port Vale, played 76 minutes during the Saddlers' goalless draw against Crawley Town at Bescot on Tuesday.
Richards had previously played just 44 minutes in League Two across his four substitute appearances, but is eager to build up a rhythm between now and the end of the season.
'The first half of the season wasn't the best for me'
"I feel like I played well and others have told me that," Richards noted.
"That's a good sign for me to keep playing and hopefully more goals and assists will come which is what I need.
"If I am able to do that then I'm sure that I'll be playing more.
"The first half of the season wasn't the best for me personally but I feel like I can get off to a good start in the second half.
"Hopefully I will get more starts which is what I need."
Sadler has tweaked things in the centre of the park in recent weeks and Richards was tasked with playing in the most advanced role of the midfield trio.
Richards on his preferred role
He has also played as an eight and a striker for the Saddlers this season, but suggested that the No 10 role is his preferred position.
"I'd definitely say the 10 role [is my preferred role]. I feel like I am able to express myself there the most," he continued.
"Obviously it didn't quite click today but there were signs when I tried to slide players in behind.
"Playing as a 10 is probably my favourite position out of the three."
Walsall have desperately lacked a creative spark of late - especially in the back-to-back goalless draws against Accrington Stanley and Crawley Town respectively.
Jamie Jellis played in his position in the 3-1 win over Tranmere, but dropped to the bench in the wake of the first home stalemate against Stanley.
How EFL Trophy has given him a much-needed confidence boost
Richards' lack of match sharpness was evident on Tuesday night, but his performances in the EFL Trophy have offered a glimpse of what he is capable of.
He scored twice in a 2-1 win over Stevenage in the round of 32 and registered an assist for Daniel Kanu in the 4-2 defeat at Northampton Town in the following round earlier this month.
And Richards feels the competition has provided him with the confidence boost that he needed, as he finally strives to make good of his Walsall spell.
"It has definitely brought me confidence because we've been up against strong teams in League One," he added.
"The fact that I can do it against teams in the division above makes me believe I can perform in the league as well."
