Edwards: I'll step up for Walsall in absence of Rico Henry

The new signing from Colchester United switched from the right-hand side of defence to cover Henry's absence during Tuesday night's League One clash at Chesterfield.

And although the Saddlers ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 result, Edwards felt comfortable in an unfamiliar role.

"I have played there a couple of times before," he said. "Not for a few years now but it is not something unnatural for me. I am comfortable there.

"I have always moved around in position and if I am asked to do a job I will look to do it to the best of my ability."

With the Saddlers having gone three games without a victory since their opening-day success over AFC Wimbledon, Edwards admits they need to find more in attack – and is willing to contribute himself from deep.

"In the first half (against Chesterfield) we had three or four chances and if we had taken one of them it would have been a different game," said the 25-year-old. "We are a new team and we are constantly working.

"There were more changes on Tuesday night. I feel it is going to take time but we are very solid as a unit at the moment which is what the gaffer has worked on.

"It gives us the platform to go and win games if we take our chances early on. There are things to work on but it is coming together."

Speaking about his own opportunities to attack, he added: "I do like to get forward. I had a bit of a reserved role at Chesterfield as I had to make sure I kept Ariybi quiet.

"I think full-backs in the modern game, you need them to get forward. They are almost part of the attacking play and with Rico we have the best in the league at it.

"He will be a big loss but when he comes back we will be better for it."

And although Walsall are still waiting for their first victory – and first goal – since the opening day of the season, Edwards has seen progress.

"I know we lost on Tuesday but I feel we are playing better in each game," he said. "We are playing well in spells at the moment and when it all comes together you start playing well in halves, then you are playing well in 90 minutes and that is when you can go and win two or three on the bounce.

"That is going to take time as we are all settling in but our expectations are still high.

"We know we have the quality in the squad. Franck Moussa has come in and has been brilliant. He can be a match-winner for us.

"The blend will take time but the sooner we can get it the better.

"We feel we have a real solid unit. Everyone is communicating.

"We are working on it and you can see that on the pitch.

"Before Tuesday we had conceded only one goal and that was a penalty in the last minute.

"When you keep clean sheets you always give yourself a chance of winning the game.

"You like to win those games like Oldham. Maybe later in the season we will win those type of games one or two nil. You can only do it by being a solid unit."