Saddlers hot-shot handed a challenge

Walsall boss Dean Smith today hailed two-goal hero Ryan Jarvis and challenged him to get even better.

The hitman struck twice on his full league debut for the Saddlers as they claimed an impressive 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Summer signing Jarvis was only playing after Jon Macken was ruled out with an ankle injury and Smith, who worked with the striker at Leyton Orient, has thrown down the gauntlet.

"He's set the stall for himself now," he said. "There might have been a few doubters about Ryan with him not having played a lot of games over the last few years but it's his chance to prove them wrong.

"That's what I said to him when I signed him. I believe he's capable of doing it now. It's up to him.

"He's proved his worth. I know what kind of player he is. He keeps the ball well and brings others into play, he's a good footballer. He was confident enough to take the penalty and got a good headed goal."

The win moved the Saddlers up to 10th in League One and Smith insisted their first away win since February was a statement to the division.

"It's a signal of intent, we feel we're going in the right direction and this result proves that," he said.