Walsall confidence is key on Preston front
Matt Preston is determined to cement his place at the heart of Walsall's defence as he prepares to face Fleetwood tomorrow.
The promising centre-back, who came through the youth ranks at the Banks's Stadium, has played a major role in the Saddlers keeping back-to-back clean sheets against Southend and Sheffield United in their previous two outings.
Preston made 13 appearances for the club last season but often had to play second fiddle to centre-back pairing James O'Connor and Paul Downing.
But after forcing his way into Jon Whitney's starting XI this season, the 21-year-old says he now has the self belief to become a permanent fixture in the side.
"The big difference between me now and last season is confidence," Preston said. "When I played last year, I felt I was always filling in for someone.
"When you are the third centre-half, it's difficult and you can feel you don't belong in the team – whereas when you're put in on merit it's completely different.
"Now I feel like I am playing because I deserve to be playing. That is a big confidence boost for me."
Preston was initially restored to the side after O'Connor picked up an injury in the build up to the FA Cup clash with Macclesfield.
But he has now featured in each of the Saddlers last seven outings, with the youngster being preferred to both O'Connor and fellow centre-back Kevin Toner in recent weeks.
"I got back in due to an injury and when you come into the side you know you need to make an impact," Preston continued.
"You need to show your qualities and what you are capable off.
"I feel in the past few games I have done that and hopefully it is enough to keep me in the starting XI.
"Now I'm playing and in the team I don't want it come to an end."
Preston now looks set to be part of a back three as the Saddlers continue with a 3-5-2 formation at Highbury Stadium tomorrow.
"We have been training well and everybody is now really fired up for Fleetwood," he added.
"Fleetwood is going to be tough game. But I we are going into it full of confidence after beating Sheffield United. We've had a 10 day break and we can't wait to get back out there."
