Walsall striker Elijah Adebayo thankful for Wes McDonald assistance

Adebayo got the only goal of the game to claim three points for Walsall at Port Vale on Saturday – just over a year since he did the same thing for former club Swindon Town at the same venue.

And the 21-year-old thanked winger McDonald for putting the goal on a plate for him in the Potteries after a tough few weeks for the frontman.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks for me,” admitted Adebayo, who now has three goals for the season.

“I’ve been trying to get back in, obviously the lads have been doing great as well, so I was happy to get the nod and the goal has done me very well.

“I know I can play better though. Like Crawley, Wes has set me up really well and it’s an easy tap in.”

And Adebayo believes there is more to come from his relationship with McDonald.

“We’ve got a good understanding of where he needs to put the ball,” added Adebayo.

“We always say mix it up, sometimes you’ll come inside or sometimes you go down the line. It’s about making the right runs when he goes down the line, so it’s just about being on the same wavelength.

“Kins (Liam Kinsella) was magnificent as well, working hard and he won every tackle. You can’t fault his effort and it’s good to have someone like that.”

And Adebayo revealed he was happy to get the nod to start against Port Vale, where he scored a decisive goal last season. “I was saying to the boys that I’ve been here before and scored the only goal,” added the striker.

“That’s two years on the spin but whatever team I’m playing it’s about getting the result and we said about keeping the momentum going from Tuesday so I’m glad we’ve done that.

“I’m nowhere near where I need to be so it’s about putting those hours in at training everyday and trying to be the best that I can be. It will come but it’s about working hard.”

Adebayo feels there is increasing competition for places as Saddlers look to move up the League Two table – which he hopes will only benefit the club

“That’s what you’re in the business for – competition for places,” he said.

"All of the strikers have been playing well in the last couple of weeks and it’s been tough to get in so when you do get your chance you’ve just got to make a statement or do the best you can so that you’re in the gaffer’s head for the next game.”