Milan Lalkovic raring to go for Walsall
Walsall striker Milan Lalkovic has expressed his frustration at his lack of playing time by revealing he has felt 'trapped in a cage.'
But the tricky winger, who has eight goals to his name this season, is determined to fire Walsall into the Championship over the next few weeks.
The former Chelsea man was handed his first start in six matches in the 2-1 win at Gillingham on Tuesday.
Lalkovic went on to star in the victory and capped his performance with a fine individual goal.
Now he hopes that performance will ensure boss Whitney keeps him in the team for tomorrow's game against Southend and for the rest of the Saddlers promotion push.
Lalkovic said: "When I scored against Gillingham I dusted myself off, because I feel like I have been in a cage for the past five weeks.
"I was very happy. It was important goal. People say I'm a player for big games and I was delighted to have scored in such a big game.
"I have been frustrated, I don't know a player who wouldn't be frustrated. It happens to wingers a lot but you have to keep going.
"Whits (Jon Whitney) said I was very upset when I didn't start at Oldham and I was.
"He will tell you how angry I was. But I spoke to people. John Ward (coach) here really helps me. He spoke to me a lot.
"The way I played Saturday – I have been training like that for the past few weeks. It was just a case of waiting for my chance."
Lalkovic admits he found it particularly tough, when former boss Sean O'Driscoll choose to play left-back Rico Henry ahead of him on the left-wing.
Now, though, his sole intention is winning automatic promotion.
He said: "This season I think I have only played three bad games so whenever I have been dropped – I'm thinking 'Why have I been dropped?'
"I have been top scorer from midfield and I think I am always a threat even when I don't score.
"Rico is a great player and I understand why a lot of big clubs wants him but to have a left-back playing in my position was difficult for me.
"But I know I should be scoring more often because I have the ability. People keep talking about my potential and I'm starting to show it but there is more to come.
"Now I have to perform against Southend and so do the team. If we don't, the performance against Gillingham will have been for nothing.
"We all want to win automatic promotion. It's not quite in our hands but everything is still to play for and I think we have a great chance."
