Andy Butler faces battle to win back place

Walsall skipper Andy Butler today admitted he faces a fight for his place and dismissed suggestions he is an automatic choice.

The fit-again captain is ready to return against Charlton tomorrow after sitting out the last two games with a cyst behind his hamstring.

But defender Butler insisted he must deserve to regain his place from Manny Smith or Oliver Lancashire after the duo impressed in his absence.

He said: "Manny and Ollie have played well in both games so I've got no arguments if I don't get into the team. It goes on performances – not anything else like reputations.

"The manager wants players who will push people so I've got no issues with being on the bench if the lads are performing well.

"But I'm fit again now, I had a little cyst which popped and it was causing me problems and I couldn't straighten my leg out. I played 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday (a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest) and I feel fine."

The Saddlers host League One leaders Charlton still in the relegation zone – a point behind 20th place Rochdale – after just two wins since August.

But Butler reckons fans shouldn't worry about their position and the squad and management are united in their belief they can escape danger.

"They can look at the table and decide for themselves but it's a long season and we've got the players here who can turn it around," said the 28-year-old.

"The manager believes in us and we believe in the manager so we can rise from this position.

"The belief has never left but we've been unlucky with decisions. We've had a few sendings-off which have cost us points so let's hope we can get some going our way and it'll balance it out.

"The lads have done well recently, we got a good point at Stevenage and stayed in the FA Cup at Dagenham. They are two positive results so it's something to build on."