Rory Holden on a high with Walsall goal strikes

The 23-year-old, having chipped in with two goals so far this season, has already matched his tally from last campaign.

And the Northern Irishman, who was snapped up permanently from Bristol City in the summer following his loan spell at the Banks’s Stadium, is feeling very good about himself.

“For definite, I think I’m playing well and the team’s playing well,” said Holden.

“It’s obviously good to chip in with a few goals and, hopefully, there are many more to come.

“Last year, I only scored two but this year, I have two already, so hopefully I can get more and just contribute as much as I can for the team.”

Holden has featured mostly as a No.10 for the Saddlers but played on the right of a 4-4-2 in the 1-1 draw at Bradford – and he is enjoying becoming more versatile.

“I’ll do whatever I have to for the team, and I’m more used to playing on the right now,” said Holden.

“Last year, I’d never played there before, so every game I do play there, I just learn.

“Last year was a bit tough at the start of the season, but I’m used to it all now – the style of play, what is expected from me.

“Hopefully, I can continue the form that I’ve been in.”

Holden, meanwhile, feels keeping most of last year’s squad has been a ‘massive factor’ in starting this League Two term so strongly – going seven unbeaten ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Barrow.

“We’ve kept most players and brought in a few quality signings,” he added.

“Being able to play together for the last 12 to 18 months is a massive factor – we know each other’s game. You don’t have to learn about as much players as we did last year.

“We have a consistent team and a small squad, so everybody is being used and you also get used to how people play.”