Ryan Jarvis is backed to find his form

Walsall manager Dean Smith today threw his support behind Ryan Jarvis and backed the misfiring striker to come good.

The striker has struggled to make an impact at the Banks's Stadium since his summer arrival and is available again after being sent off at Dagenham three weeks ago.

But Smith, who worked with the 25-year-old at Leyton Orient, insists the former Norwich trainee can prove the doubters wrong.

"He's been frustrated he hasn't got as many games and goals as he'd like but I'm sure he'll come up trumps for us," said Smith, with Jarvis having netted three times this term.

"We've seen it in training over the last few weeks where he's come on leaps and bounds.

"He's been the first sub for Jon Macken when he has tightened up a little bit. Ryan has come on and done the same job.

"Macka got injured in August and Jarvs came in and hit the ground running against Bournemouth (with both goals in a 2-0 win) and did well against Shrewsbury but he's only had bit parts since then.

"He's started to look really good in training and we were hoping he was going to come through for us before his red."