Richard Taundry is Walsall captain

Richard Taundry today revealed his "shock and honour" over being handed the Walsall captaincy.

The midfielder, who was due to skipper the Saddlers in the FA Cup first-round at Fleetwood this afternoon, admitted being awarded the armband was the biggest accolade of his career.

Taundry skippered the side for the first time in their 3-1 defeat to Peterborough on Tuesday in the absence of the injured Darren Byfield and the benched Aaron Lescott.

And the 21-year-old, who came through the ranks at the Banks's Stadium, said: "It was an honour to be the skipper. I was shocked, there were a few more experienced lads in the dressing room than me but I took it on and got on with it."

"I've been captain for other youth teams but nothing on this scale, where everyone is watching you and how you react. It was a big deal for me and I enjoyed it.

"It was the biggest milestone of my career, when Richard Money was here he'd always used to say one day I'd be pushing for the captaincy and that was my aim.

"I've done it now and hopefully I can push on again and one day, if I'm still here, take the armband for the season."

Boss Chris Hutchings hailed Taundry's impact and insisted the tenacious midfielder deserved the armband.

"I had no problems with giving it to him, I'd do it again if needs be," he said.

"It meant a lot to him, it showed the confidence I have got in him. We know he works his socks off and he deserved it."