Richard Taundry fear on Walsall place

Richard Taundry admits it's his time to shine – because the Walsall midfielder is in constant fear for his place.

The 22-year-old is ready to take on Middlesbrough in tonight's Carling Cup first round after an impressive outing in Saturday's 1-0 win over Leyton Orient.

Taundry finished last season as an auxiliary defender and revealed boss Dean Smith was considering keeping him there.

But Saturday's opening day display saw him stake a claim for a central berth and Taundry admits he needed to produce.

He said: "It's getting harder to get in the team, the standard has risen and it's down to us to keep working hard.

"You don't really mind who you play with but, on Saturday, myself and Adam Chambers worked well and he got his goal which he deserved.

"But Anton Peterlin is another good player – he's keeping me on my toes more than Chambo! I know I've got to keep working hard.

"Saturday showed how much depth we have have in the team this year. We're able to slow the game a lot more now when we need to.

"When it got down to being dirty – working hard and getting in their faces – we were able to adjust."

Taundry is well known for his love of a challenge and the win over Orient has further whetted his appetite ahead of the visit of the Championship outfit.

He said: "On Saturday it was mine and Chambo's job to time tackles well, go in and press hard. The whole team stuck together well and long may it continue."

The Saddlers are without Will Grigg – away on Northern Ireland under-21 duty – so Ryan Jarvis is in line to make his full debut after Saturday's substitute appearance.

Kevan Hurst is expected to recover from a minor dead leg leaving manager Dean Smith missing just Jake Jones, who has twisted his ankle.