Josh and Cookie have same Walsall goals

With the Saddlers having switched to a 4-3-3 system in recent weeks, the pair have been battling to be the central striker in Dean Keates’ side.

Gordon has had the shirt ever since Cook was sent off against Bradford with the 24-year-old impressing in those six matches.

But he faces tough competition from the former Tranmere man who is the club’s top scorer on 16-goals.

“I am close to Cookie, we are mates – we haven’t got a rivalry,” Gordon said.

“He is our top goalscorer and has done well every time he has played.

“After training we work together, we talk and feed off each other for advice.

“We often talk about what we could do better.

“I had a chance at Burton where I tried to head the ball across goal and the keeper made a good save.

“The first person I went to afterwards was Cookie to see what he felt I could have done better.

“He is more experienced than me and it’s nice to have that player who is in the same position as you but you can feed off him and work with him.

“Rivalry doesn’t help, we are a team so it’s good we are close and can help each other.

“His game is all about scoring goals so for me to able to learn off him and how to take the chances he takes, it’s only going to help me as a player.”

Gordon admits it has boosted his confidence being Walsall’s central striker in recent weeks.

“You obviously want to play in what you believe is your best position,” he added.

“I have played on the wing and in the number 10 role this season.

“But sometimes when you chop and change positions, it can make it harder to stick to the game plan.

“When I am up front I know the game plan is to occupy the two centre-back and not run around everywhere.

“It allows me to focus on scoring goals and I’ve got three in my last six games.

“Hopefully I will get some more before the end of the season because that has boosted my confidence.”