Romaine Sawyers ready to go for Walsall
Dean Smith says Romaine Sawyers is refreshed and ready to go after returning to Walsall following the international break.
The 22-year-old forward was back in the squad for today's home game with Preston after missing the last two clashes while playing for St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean Cup.
Sawyers netted in a 5-0 win over Dominica as the 'Suga Boyz' progressed to the next round of the tournament.
And Walsall manager Smith believes the change of scene came at the ideal time after a difficult start to the season for the former Albion youth teamer, who came in for criticism from sections of the home crowd during the Saddlers' 2-1 defeat to Yeovil last month.
Now back in the Midlands, Smith expects Sawyers to start firing on all cylinders.
"I'm sure it will have done him good," said Smith.
"Knowing how important he is to us, his confidence wasn't at an all-time high when he went so I think the break came at a good time.
"He has recharged his batteries over there, did well, scored some goals and they have qualified."
"The unfortunate thing now is they will probably want him back in October now for the next international break."
As things stand, Sawyers looks likely to miss the trip north to tackle Oldham on October 11 should he again be called up for the second round of the tournament.
The Saddlers went into today's game with promotion favourites still searching for their first victory of their League One campaign.
But midfielder Billy Clifford, who joined from Chelsea on loan, insists the spirit in the dressing room remains high despite the slow start to the season.
"I think we have a group of very confident players and we have not shied away from it," he said.
"We have not tried to change the way the manager wants to play.
"We have not tried to kick it long, we have stuck to our beliefs and we have tried to play the Walsall way.
"I think it is one of those where if you get one win, you can go on a little run but it is just getting that first win.
"We are only six or seven games in. We are not panicking or listening to outside voices.
"We will keep going, training and playing the games and the win will come.
"When it does I think we will go on a little run and start picking up three points on a regular basis."
