Scott Laird: Walsall are serious promotion contenders
Scott Laird is adamant Walsall are serious contenders for promotion – with the defender also reiterating his desire to remain at the club.
The 28-year-old, who is on loan from Scunthorpe until January, has been part of a Saddlers team that is now unbeaten in their last six outings in League One.
Despite sitting 14th in the table, Jon Whitney's side are just three points outside the play-offs and have the benefit of a game in hand.
And when asked if Walsall could gatecrash the top six, Laird was adamant in his answer.
"Most definitely, 110 per cent," he said. "We've got a great side here, one that can easily be up there. And I'm sure if we get up there, we will stay up there.
"It's just a case of consistently picking up points and continuing to work hard because we know we're a good side and we're going to create opportunities.
"We've just got to be a bit more ruthless but while we were disappointed not to beat MK Dons on Saturday, that was a good learning curve for us. We can draw on it when we are next 1-0 up.
"It's an incredible league, League One, an exciting league – and one you know that if you put a good run together, you can shoot straight up into those play-off positions.
"We are more than capable of that. We're under the radar, not a lot of teams are thinking about us and hopefully come Christmas, we can be in a good position to kick on in the New Year."
Laird has made a big impression both on and off the field since moving to the Banks's Stadium from the high-flying Iron.
And while talks to extend his stay have not started yet, he expects them to begin soon.
"There's nothing been said as yet – we haven't had any contact," the defender continued.
"I'm sure we will before Christmas, I'm sure before the Christmas period we will talk about it and get something sorted.
"But I've been open about it – I would like to stay and I'm really enjoying my football here.
"The manager has been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant and the boys have been brilliant.
"Walsall is a great club to be a part of, a real family club.
" I can see that we can be really up there at the end of the season and I would love to be a part of that."
