Jason McCarthy: Walsall win over Sheffield United can be a springboard

The rampant Saddlers ruthlessly swept aside the League One leaders on Saturday with goals from Amadou Bakayoko, Joe Edwards, Erhun Oztumer and McCarthy securing a 4-1 victory.

That performance was Walsall's best of the season so far.

But after an overall inconsistent campaign, McCarthy says it vital Walsall now use the game as a platform to kick on.

"Sheffield United was the best day of the season so far," the Southampton loanee said.

"I thought we were brilliant and in the second half we made a very good team look lost.

"It was a great result and all over the pitch everyone was outstanding.

"But I don't want to get too carried away.

"This season we have been inconsistent.

"We beat Bolton at home.

"I felt we deserved to win against Bradford. We have done well against the so-called bigger sides.

"What's important now is to use that result as a springboard to go on a good run.

"We did it in October. We went six games unbeaten and won four of those.

"To beat the league leaders 4-1 is no mean feat.

"Hopefully now we can go on a bit of a run."

McCarthy took his tally for the season to three with his goal against the Blades.

The 21-year-old is in a competition with fellow full-back Scott Laird as to who can get the most goals this season. But the youngster, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in League Two with Wycombe last season, revealed he has a knack for scoring in big games.

"I was delighted to score and delighted to pull level with Lairdy because it's three-all for us now," McCarthy continued.

"I do have a bit of a habit for scoring in big games.

"I did it for Wycombe last season.

"I scored against Oxford and against Wimbledon and they obviously went up.

"I must like a big occasion.

"But for the goal on Saturday, I received a great ball from Ama (Bakayoko).

"I thought Ama was absolutely outstanding. Two assists and a goal.

"The finish took a little bit of a deflection but it was going in anyway.

"It was a great feeling to see it hit the back of the net."

McCarthy was particularly pleased with the attacking quality Walsall showed in their victory over the Blades.

"I think we looked really confident on the ball," the right-back added.

"Second half in particular, we really got forward well.

"We seemed to have a lot of time on the ball. We looked fluid and the movement was excellent.

"All of the pitch we looked dangerous and were creating chances. Joe Edwards, on the other side to me, got is goal and was creating great chances.

"It was great effort from everyone. Both defensively and going forward."