Walsall have nothing to fear against Rochdale says Jason McCarthy
Defender Jason McCarthy insists Walsall have nothing to fear when they travel to take on in-form Rochdale tonight.
The Saddlers head to Spotland where they will face a Dale outfit who have won each of their last six outings at home. That run has propelled Keith Hill's side to the brink of the play-offs with just goal difference keeping them out of the top six.
In contrast, Walsall are without a win in five with impressive performances against MK Dons and Gillingham yielding just a single point.
But while Jon Whitney's side have failed to get what they deserve from their last two outings, McCarthy feels it's only a matter of time before they return to winning ways.
"It's great to be playing tonight – this game is exactly what we needed after Saturday," the Southampton loanee said.
"Rochdale are on a good run but there is a real determination in the group to get back to winning ways.
"Performances have been good recently and the important thing for us is to keep believing in what we do because things will turn.
"Losing against Gillingham hurt. It felt unjust. But we know have got to recover quickly and start another unbeaten run."
McCarthy grabbed his second goal of the campaign in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Gills. And the 21-year-old admits he is learning a lot from fellow full-back Scott Laird – who has also netted twice this season.
"We've actually got a competition to see which full-back can get the most goals," McCarthy continued.
"I've been working hard to try and get in the box more.
"I'm taking a bit out of Scott Laird's game and trying to implement it in mine. I want to get more crosses in and more shots on goal. Me and Scott are two each at the moment but I think I'll come out on top over the year."
Meanwhile, McCarthy admits he has been hugely impressed with centre-back Matt Preston who has dislodged James O'Connor from the team in recent weeks.
"I thought Matt was excellent against Gillingham," McCarthy added.
"He came for every header, he won everything and he is looking more and more composed. That looks a really good combination with Kevin Toner and we have healthy competition with James O'Connor as well."
