Josh Ginnelly: Thanks for the Walsall faith

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for the Saddlers, proving a regular menace on the flanks.

Ginnelly, who joined on a free transfer from Burnley in the summer, puts his form down to the backing he has received from boss Keates.

“I just have to thank the gaffer and his staff to be honest. I have never really had a manager that backs me 100 per cent like he does,” he said.

“The gaffer has seen what I have and he is just trying to get the best out of me and I can’t thank him enough. I am loving it here.”

Ginnelly has netted twice in 11 appearances so far but admitted regret at failing to increase that tally during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with his former club Shrewsbury.

He went close to breaking the deadlock on three occasions, seeing one effort cleared off the line.

“It was frustrating. Both for us as a team and for me as well,” said Ginnelly.

“I feel like I should have scored. I’ve had one blocked off the line, one saved and another over the bar.

"If I put those chances away it is a different game.

“We definitely gave a reaction to Saturday. We feel like we dropped two points. But we will go again against Bristol Rovers.

“We have been good away, so we’re going into it with confidence and hopefully we can get the three points.”

Ginnelly, who came through the youth ranks at Shrewsbury, was subjected to stick from sections of the travelling support.

“I’ll always get stick from Shrewsbury fans but I wish the club all the best,” he said.

“If they want to believe what they believe then believe it.

“I’m not bothered about that. I’m focused on Walsall and I just want to keep doing well and help the team.”