Scott Laird on Walsall: Erratic but so talented

The 28-year-old, who is on loan from Scunthorpe, is no stranger to success after winning back-to-back promotions with Stevenage before then helping Preston into the Championship in 2015.

Laird has become a fans' favourite at the Banks's Stadium after joining on a temporary basis from the Iron in August.

After initially signing until January, that deal was extended until the end of the season last week.

Laird had to return to Scunthorpe while that extension was being negotiated, but he revealed he told the squad just how highly he rates them before he went back.

"I told the lads when I left 'you are the most talented group of players I have played with'.

"That is over my 12-year career," the full-back said.

"What they now need to do is believe that.

"When they do, you can see that we are a very good side.

"But you can also see when they are a bit down or not quite on it.

"We need to strike that balance, we need to find that consistency because if we do we can challenge in this league.

"We all know how crazy League One is. Win a couple, like we did in October, and you a right up there, lose a couple and you start to go in the wrong direction.

"We have got a great side here.

"I know the gaffer is trying to make a few more signings. And I think we can really kick on in the second half of the season."

Laird has struck up a real rapport with Saddlers fans since joining the club in the aftermath of Rico Henry's move to Brentford.

"And the left-back said that relationship was one of the main reasons why he wanted to rejoin the club.

"I can't thank the fans enough," he continued.

"I get a bit of stick from the boys. Some of them have been here a lot longer than me but I do seem to have struck up a friendship with the fans. That was massive for me.

"I'm not a player that needs an arm around the shoulder.

"But it's nice to be wanted. I feel that here. The fans have been brilliant with me.

"On social media and the songs they sing.

"It's really affected me, and I hope I can continue that and reward them and show them what more I can do."

As well as supporters, Laird said Walsall's style of play was also key to his return.

"It really was a no-brainer for me to come back," he added.

"Everything felt right for me. The way the club play football.

"The way the club is run. Everyone behind the scenes, the staff and the gaffer.

"The biggest thing, though, was the way we play football.

"As a player, you want to be in a team that plays the right way.

"And I truly believe we can achieve something in the second half of the season.

"We have been erratic. One week we are very, very good. The next week we are very poor.

"That is me being honest and we know we have to rectify that. But I truly believe this is a team packed with potential."