Julian Gray hailed as top flight class

Walsall manager Dean Smith has hailed Julian Gray's "Premier League class" and backed him to tear League One apart.

The Saddlers boss reckons his wing wonder will be unplayable in the fight for survival as the club battle the drop.

Gray's star turn in Friday's 1-1 draw at Milton Keynes Dons helped the fourth-bottom Saddlers to a point and he has excelled under Smith since the boss gave him a licence to thrill.

And Smith praised Gray's efforts since January and insisted the former Blues ace has star quality.

The manager said: "Julian has showed his Premier League class and he's been showing that for the last couple of months, he's done fantastically well for us.

"Long may it continue because with that form he's a force to be reckoned with and there won't be many players who are able to play against him.

"On Friday he had the right back turning around in circles."

The 31-year-old has bagged eight goals this term – a career best – and has four assists and Smith knows Gray can go higher – but wants to keep him.

He said: "I'm certain Julian can play at a higher level but he's here and I'm hoping he's happy with us. He's worked really hard and he's put in a shift.

"At the moment what's happening on the pitch matters to him and it can only be good for us."

Gray is out of contract at the end of the season but Smith isn't thinking about losing his prized asset while the Saddlers battle against relegation.

He added: "We'll have to wait and see what happens there but, at the moment, he's putting in a shift for us."

Despite Gray's form, Smith swelled his midfield ranks with Millwall loanee Marc Laird and Sunderland wide man Jordan Cook last week.

The duo made their debuts on Friday and Smith reckons they will boost the Saddlers' hopes.

He said: "I was pleased with the two lads. Laird showed his quality while Cook has certainly got pace and I'm sure when games get stretched towards the end he will get his chance and take it.

"They give us options and, as a manager, it's always nice to have those."