Billy Clifford told to do more for Walsall place
Midfielder Billy Clifford has been told he must become a 90 minute performer if he wants to regain his Walsall starting place.
The 21-year-old has not been named in a starting line-up since the Saddlers defeat at Spotland three weeks ago.
Manager Dean Smith has preferred to partner skipper Adam Chambers with teenager Reece Flanagan in central midfield.
Clifford, who has made 12 appearances since signing a short term deal in the summer, has instead been used as an impact substitute.
And Smith reckons the former Chelsea youngster must improve his consistency if he wants an expanded role.
He said: "The game opens up and Billy is one of those players who can go and take the ball forward, he certainly did that on Saturday.
"I spoke with him last week about the reasons why I didn't start him and he needs to give 90 minute performances more than just 45 minutes. But he gave us some impetus when he came on."
With Flanagan having struggled himself against Doncaster – particularly in Saturday's game with Bristol City – and with Sam Mantom still nowhere near a return, Smith may opt to give Clifford the start tonight.
The manager has a number of other options now the club's injury concerns have eased and was also happy with the cameo performance of Mathieu Manset against the league leaders.
Like Clifford, the French striker has not featured since the Rochdale hammering but looked sharp after replacing James Baxendale late on.
Smith said: "I thought we needed a little bit more physicality for the final stretch of the game and it certainly worked for us.
"We kept the ball in and around them and we had players. I told Rom (Romaine Sawyers) to come off the line and Cookie (Jordan Cook) to go beyond the ball and it worked well for us.
"He kept the ball in and around him and that is what he can do."
One player Smith is unable to call on is Sawyers with the 22-year-old now on international duty with St Kitts & Nevis.
The former West Brom youth teamer certainly left the manager something to remember him by with his stunning equaliser in Saturday's game. Smith believes Sawyers is now back to his best.
"He is back and it was just a fantastically well-worked goal for the team," he said.
"He went away and was perhaps a little low on confidence but he has come back firing and has two goals in this periods so I am pleased for him.
"It's international football and it is good for any player at this level to play in it."
