Zak Jules sparkling on Walsall's left

Former Shrewsbury man Jules joined the Saddlers from Macclesfield in July 2019 for an undisclosed fee.

While primarily a central defender, the 23-year-old can play across the back four and has impressed in recent weeks at left-back.

And after putting in another excellent showing in the win at Tranmere on Saturday, Jules drew praise from boss Clarke and team-mate McDonald.

“Zak has done well in the last few games,” Clarke said. “It’s probably not his favourite position out on the left.

“But we have a good, honest set of lads that are young and developing and Zak falls into that category.

“They’re working hard and we want them to get better quicker.

“But Zak has been good.”

McDonald has also been impressed with his team mate who is now linking up with down Walsall’s left side.

“I know Julesy well, he’s very versatile and can play central defence and left-back,” the former Yeovil man said. “He has pace and power and he had a great game at Tranmere.

“Once he gets going, he’s very quick.”

McDonald also shone at Prenton Park with the forward scoring a spectacular and also registering an assist.

The winger’s form has been somewhat indifferent during the campaign so far.

But while that had led to criticism from some fans, Clarke said McDonald didn’t let it affect him.

“Critics are everywhere in football, we just get on with our work,” the boss added. “We know Wes has got quality. We give him as much confidence as we possibly can, in the cruel reality of the footballing world.

“It doesn’t affect him. He turns up every day and we know on his day he can be that match-winner.

“He scored a great goal at Tranmere and it will give him a bit more confidence.”