Scott Laird: Flexible Walsall 'have advantage'
Scott Laird believes Walsall's ability to switch between formations will prove a major advantage as the season progresses.
The Saddlers have lined up in a 4-2-3-1 system during the early stages of the campaign but changed to 3-5-2 for the victory at Sheffield United.
Laird was instrumental in the win at Bramall Lane with the full-back changing roles to play at centre-half.
And the 28-year-old admitted he enjoyed the new tactics.
"We are a fluid team and we have players that can interchange and play in lots of different positions," the Scunthorpe loanee said.
"That's a big advantage for us because it's important to keep the opposition guessing.
"Sheffield United was the first time we had played 3-5-2. We will learn in that formation and once the players get more familiar with the positions I think we can really hurt teams with it.
"But we have the players to hurt teams whichever system the gaffer goes with. For me it was a different position.
"But I started my career as a centre-back. That was 10 years ago so it's been a long time since I've played there. But it's a great position because you're always involved."
Walsall return to League One action on Saturday when they make the long trip to take on Fleetwood.
The Saddlers enter the game 16th in the table, but just three points behind Peterborough in the final play-off spot of sixth.
And Laird believes Jon Whitney's side still has everything to play for heading into the busy Christmas period.
"I think we are better than the position we are in," Laird said.
"But while ultimately we are in 16th, we are only three points off the play-offs so maybe we are in the right position.
"This league is so tight, there are so many teams on the same points so it might look a little bit worse than what it is.
"But with the squad we have got and the players we have got I think we can go on a run going into Christmas and then really kick on and challenge at the start of the new year."
