Dean Smith tips Andy Halliday to shine

Boss Dean Smith today tipped Andy Halliday to revive his career at Walsall and expects the flying Scotsman to shine.

And the Saddlers chief hinted the Middlesbrough winger could extend his stay beyond January.

The 20-year-old loanee is primed for his home debut on Saturday as the Saddlers aim to shock League One leaders Charlton.

Smith believes Halliday, who has made two Walsall appearances, can rediscover his form after being frozen out in the north

He said: "It was a big step to go from Livingston to Middlesbrough. He went there early in his career and he's now trying to find his way here. I'm sure this experience will certainly help him and if he hits the ground running with us then there might be a longer-term loan involved in it. I'm delighted to get him in and he's certainly fit and ready. He can play in a number of positions and he's got a good knack of scoring goals as well."

Halliday, who has been sidelined by a groin injury this term, struggled to make the breakthrough at the Riverside after former Albion boss Mowbray replaced Gordon Strachan in October 2010.

But Smith reckons he can provide the missing spark which has seen the Saddlers score just 18 goals in 19 League One games to sit 21st in the table. "He's determined at what he wants to do and will beat players through sheer determination," he said.