Luke Leahy lapping up a hectic Christmas with Walsall

League One’s hectic festive schedule will be a new experience to the Walsall full-back, who for the past five seasons has enjoyed the luxury of a winter break while playing in Scotland for Falkirk.

But while he might have to cut back on the turkey, Leahy is hungry to get cracking on a Christmas programme which first sees the Saddlers visit Rochdale tomorrow.

“Things were quite different in Scotland, you could have a big dinner and not worry about it,” he said.

“This is something new for me but I will stay professional and do the right things.”

While Leahy does feel winter breaks, common in many other countries, have certain benefits, he is excited by the run of four games in ten days which now stands in front of the Saddlers.

“In Scotland you have a game and then a break for a few weeks,” he said. “You did feel the benefits in January, definitely.

“But by the time the New Year came round you would be itching to get back to training. You have your fun, Christmas dinner and all that, but you were always eager to get back. It is my first time experiencing the games coming thick and fast and I am looking forward to it.

“I will try and get as much rest as I can away from the games, get ,y mind off it. It’s new for me but I am looking forward to. it”

The Saddlers head north aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at Northampton, the kind of result which has sadly been all too common during a season when impressive performances have typically been followed by a fall.

Yet for all their inconsistency, Jon Whitney’s team approach Christmas sitting 11th in the table, seven points off the top six and seven clear of the bottom four, with destiny still very much in their own hands.

“This is a key stage of the season, our position could differ significantly,” said Leahy.

“In a couple of weeks time we could be up in the top half or down in the bottom. Hopefully we are in the top half.

“Rest is key. As soon as the game finishes you are having recovery drinks and ice baths because there is another game in 48 hours.

“It has been steady season so far.

“We have had some really good performances and some really poor performances but ultimately we are 11th.

“If you get a run of games together, if we can win Saturday we will be closing on the play-offs.

“Hopefully we can stay in the mix.

“There is still a long season to go and many things can happen. We just have to put a run of wins together.”