Adam Chambers is Walsall's 'role model'

The 35-year-old captain is enjoying an outstanding season in the Saddlers midfield, rolling back the years to produce a string of eye-caching displays.

Chambers also plays a vital role off the field as he looks to help young players develop into the first team.

And both Preston and Flanagan believe the former Albion man is the perfect example of how a footballer should behave.

Preston, who has featured 12 times for the Saddlers first-team this season, said: "He lives his life to play football and he is a great example to all the younger players.

"He represents exactly how it should be done, everything he does he does for football. He sacrifices a lot. "But everyone has respect for what he does because he is the model pro. He is a great person to look up to."

Those thoughts were echoed by Flanagan who like Chambers plays in centre midfield. The 21-year-old added: "Adam's work ethic is incredible.

"Everyone sees it out on the pitch but we see it every day on the training ground. He's the player that's in the gym first and he does everything he can to ensure he is in the best possible shape.

"We can all learn from him both on the pitch and off the pitch."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has vowed to keep improving despite enjoying an outstanding debut season between the posts.

The Philippines international has made a big impression since being snapped up on a free transfer over the summer.

And the 26-year-old admits he is excited by what the future holds, adding: "I feel I have improved throughout the season, but I still have a long way to go.

"I don't think I am anywhere near the finished article yet and believe I can improve."