Morgan Ferrier surprise at Walsall recall

Dean Keates put Ferrier into his starting XI after an injury to winger Matt Jarvis – and was instantly rewarded with the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Fleetwood.

The second-half strike was Ferrier’s first goal in open play since September and, together with Dan Scarr’s 68th-minute effort, made it seven points from the last three games for the Saddlers.

And Ferrier admitted he was hoping just to make the bench after being out of action for a month.

“I was a bit surprised,” said the 24-year-old.

“When I went into training on Friday I was just hoping to be in the squad – my mindset was I’ve been out for four-and-a-half weeksbut I heard there was maybe something not right with Jarvs (Matt Jarvis)

“So I trained and then the gaffer pulled in on Saturday and said I was playing.

“He told me to give everything I could and if I got tired, then I got tired – so I just tried to ease myself through the game.

“The lads helped me as well so I was delighted.”

Ferrier revealed he is concentrating on giving his all when selected – and focusing on doing his bit for the team when called upon.

“There are going to be games where different players are suited to different things. I am happy the gaffer saw my qualities and felt I could do a job for the team,” said the Londoner.

“Some weeks he might not pick me. But you just have to have that mindset that when you do get picked you have give everything you can for the club.”

Ferrier was heavily linked with a return to the south-east in the transfer window with Southend United making a bid for the six-goal attacker.

However, he said wanted to repay manager Keates for the faith he had showed in bringing the former Boreham Wood man in from non-league football.

“The opportunity arose for me to go and play somewhere else but my heart is here and I want to see it through,” added Ferrier.

“I want to repay the gaffer for the time he has invested in me.

“He gave me the opportunity to come out of non-league, so I want to do the best I can with the club, the fans and everyone associated with it.”