Kevin Toner: Walsall are taking the FA Cup seriously
Kevin Toner insists Walsall are serious about the FA Cup and will not underestimate tomorrow's opponents Macclesfield.
The Silkmen travel to the Banks's Stadium currently sat 10th in the National League – with John Askey's side having failed to win in each of their last three outings.
In contrast, the Saddlers enter the clash having come through all of October unbeaten, with four wins and two draws from their six matches.
But while the odds are heavily stacked in favour of a Walsall victory tomorrow, Toner insists there will be no complacency from his side.
"It's all about mindset and doing a professional job," the Villa loanee said. "It's a game of football at the end of the day. 11 players v 11 players.
"We have to make sure we go out and be the better team on the day.
"In cup competitions, it's often harder when you draw a team lower down the pyramid.
"They are always looking to cause that upset and Macclesfield will come here to win. When you are the favourite it's a bit more difficult.
"I've played in teams where we have won against bigger teams. What's important now is that we don't become an FA Cup upset."
Toner has quickly cemented his place at the heart of the Saddlers defence since being snapped up on loan back in August.
And the 20-year-old Irishman admits he is relishing the prospect of making his FA Cup debut tomorrow.
"The FA Cup means a lot to me," Toner continued.
"I haven't played in it yet. It's an historic competition and it would be great to have a really good run at it.
"Growing up back in Ireland it was a competition that everyone watched.
"On Cup final day, nearly the whole place shut down – there would be nobody on the roads.
"Everyone was in their house or in the pub watching the game."
As well as winning a place in the second round, Toner also believes it's important Walsall overcome Macclesfield to continue their impressive run.
"All momentum helps," he added. "We're a settled side now.
"We are on a good run in the league and we want to keep that going in the FA Cup. If we keep winning that can only be a good thing and will build more confidence for when we return to the league."
