Rory Holden open to a longer Walsall stay
Midfielder Rory Holden would welcome an extended stay at Walsall when his loan spell ends – but admits that his future is currently uncertain.
The 22-year-old arrived in the Black Country in the summer, on-loan from Bristol City.
After initially struggling for the Saddlers, Holden has impressed in recent months, prompting a number of fans to call for his immediate return to the club for next season.
Although the Northern Irishman insists he wants to come back to the club, he says that he doesn’t know what the future will hold for him.
“I don’t know really,” he said. “For me, I just think about now and play as many games as possible to help Walsall.
“Do as well as I can and see what happens next year. I’d have to have a chat with my agent and Bristol City, but I’d be happy to come back here.
“It’s a fantastic club and it’s been good for me.”
Holden began the season playing on the right-wing, but failed to make an impact on the team.
His overall game his vastly improved since then, down in part to being moved behind a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation at times this campaign.
Holden says he is happy to play wherever he is asked, but believes the ‘number 10 role’ suits him.
“I think (it suits me) playing in behind the strikers, but I’d play anywhere for the team,” he added.
“Play right-wing, left-wing, sitting midfield – it doesn’t matter really, wherever the gaffer puts me I’ll play there.”
Meanwhile, manager Darrell Clarke has urged his players to continue their fine form for the remainder of the season.
The Saddlers are unbeaten in four games in League Two and have built on a positive second-half to the season – something Clarke wants to continue for the final 11 games of the season.
“Like I have said and repeated over previous weeks, the lads are working hard,” he said.
“In the last 18 games, in the run we’ve had, we’ve been pretty consistent so we’re looking to continue that for the rest of the season.
“I thought in the second half against Port Vale, for 30 minutes, we were absolutely outstanding.
“We played some really good football on the front foot and we want to get more phases through that over the next 11 games.”
