Star striker Tom Bradshaw hails Dean Smith & Co
Striker Tom Bradshaw has paid tribute to Walsall's coaching staff after winning his first senior call-up for Wales.
The 23-year-old has been named in Chris Coleman's squad as they begin their preparations for Euro 2016 by hosting the Netherlands at the Millennium Stadium next week.
It's the first time Bradshaw, who has scored 29 goals for the Saddlers since joining from Shrewsbury in 2014, has been been part of the senior Wales side.
And the forward has thanked boss Dean Smith, assistant manager Richard O'Kelly and fitness coach Jon Whitney for how they have helped him develop as a player.
"Rich texted me to congratulate me on my call-up and I just texted him back saying that I wanted to thank him, the gaffer and Jon Whitney as well as everyone involved at the club because they deserve the credit," Bradshaw said.
"I have come a long way from where I was 18 months ago to where I am now.
"I've developed physically as a player and technically as a player and the improvement in my all round game has been phenomenal.
"I know I wouldn't be in or around the senior squad if it wasn't for making the move here so I'm grateful to everyone involved at Walsall. They have helped me improve as a player and as a person."
Bradshaw found out he had made it into the Wales squad during his day off on Wednesday morning.
And the forward admitted he thought he was in trouble when he saw Smith calling him early in the morning.
"I was on my way to play golf with the lads and the gaffer called me about 9.30am," he said.
"At first off, I saw my phone ringing and it said 'Dean Smith' and I thought 'Why is he calling at this time? What have I done?'
"But he told me I was in the squad and I was over the moon.
"I couldn't really concentrate on my golf for the rest of the day then. I never win at golf though so I just lost more heavily than usual."
Bradshaw is now hoping to feature against the Dutch next Friday but before then is staying focused on tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Fleetwood.
"We want a Cup run and we are treating the game just like it's a league fixture," the forward said.
"If you ask any footballer you can't go into any game relaxed.
"You go into every game to win regardless of whether it's in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, FA Cup, League Cup or the league.
"Every player at the club will go into it as if it's a league game, wanting to win."
