Rory Holden bounced back from ‘tough’ criticism to shine at Walsall

The 22-year-old, who joined temporarily from Bristol City in the summer, was widely condemned for his performances on the right-wing in the first half of the campaign.

The lack of an experienced right-winger in the squad forced the loanee out wide, but having playing more centrally in recent months Holden has impressed – and he believes that criticism has helped him improve this season.

"It's tough to be fair, it's the first time it's ever happened to me," he said.

"I think I've come out of it better, as a stronger person and my mindset has got a lot better.

"You have to take the criticism sometimes to be the person you are.

"Every game I go in to show what I have and what I can do.

"This loan move has helped me so much – compared to last season, I'm a different person.

"At the start of the season the criticism helped I think, because I wouldn't be where I am today.

"You have to take the criticism but the last few months I've been playing well to come out of it the other side - it's a positive really.

"At the start of the season the fans were patient and maybe my performances weren't there.

"Now I think I'm showing what I'm capable of."

The midfielder has only scored once this season – notching a 93rd minute winner against Northampton in February – but he's picked up seven assists and his target for the rest of the campaign is to improve on those statistics.

"If I can chip in with as many goals and assists as possible, just to help the team, it would be beneficial," he added.

"As a collective the target is to finish as high up the table as possible and try and get as many wins.

"For myself it's to try and chip in with as many goals and assists and help the team as much as possible."