Versatile Joe Edwards is just happy to be playing at Walsall

The 26-year-old has been utilised in a number of positions since being snapped up by the Saddlers from Colchester in the summer.

Edwards began the season at right-back before moving into central midfield – a role he previously occupied for former club Yeovil.

But in the past few weeks he has been deployed on both the right and left of midfield after boss Jon Whitney switched to a traditional 4-4-2 formation.

Edwards though insists he is happy to play anywhere and believes his versatility has proved a major asset throughout his career.

"The most important thing for me is to be playing," he said.

"It has followed me throughout my career being versatile. And I've always said, as long as I'm out on the pitch I am happy.

"To be able to play in different positions has always helped me.

"People have often told me I need to nail down one.

"But my comeback is if I have got one position and I don't get picked then I won't be in the team.

"The manager here said some nice words about me recently.

"He said he knows I will always do a job for him. That is what I try to give.

"I always give 100 per cent and I always do what I'm told and what job I'm given.

"As long as I am helping the team, I am happy."

Edwards has won plaudits from supporters for the energy he brings to Walsall's team. And the Gloucester-born star admits he relishes getting about the pitch.

"I thrive on working hard," he continued.

"Where other players don't like the harder side of things. I enjoy running about and covering a lot of ground."

After not having a game last weekend, Walsall return to action on Saturday when they host League One leaders Sheffield United at the Banks's Stadium. The Blades head to the West Midlands having sold out their 2,400 ticket allocation for the game.

Chris Wilder's side arrive having won their last six games. Walsall meanwhile crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Rochdale in their previous outing.

But Edwards says the entire squad is itching to return to action following a break of almost a fortnight – with the aim to secure a second victory over the high-flying Blades this season.

"When you have a 12-day break the last thing you want to do is go into it on the back of a disappointing performance like Rochdale," he said.

"It's a long time and when you lose a game you want to play the next day.

"What's particularly disappointing is that we know we are better than what we showed against Rochdale.

"We're determined to show that against Sheffield United."

Meanwhile, Walsall have confirmed tickets are now on sale for the League One clash at Bolton on February 11. priced £23 with concessions at £16 and £10.

The Saddlers have been awarded an initial allocation of 834 tickets for the game against Phil Parkinson's side, who are currently riding high in third place in the table.

A decision will be made two days prior to the date as to whether the match is made all ticket.