Milan Lalkovic to be Walsall's festive star

The Slovakian scored his third goal of the campaign in Saturday's 1-0 win at Shrewsbury which snapped a four-game winless run.

Baxendale believes the Chelsea loanee is unplayable on his day and could have a major impact over the busy festive period.

"I think you only need to look at the Peterborough game last month to see what a talent Milan is," he said.

"He has scored a few goals, got a few assists and he's a real talent. Milan on his day will rip anyone apart."

"In this league, Milan on his day will rip anyone apart. He shows in training what he has got and it's the same for the other attacking lads.

"Generally his performances have been really good."

Lalkovic's move from central striker to playing out wide has brought him into competition with Ashley Hemmings and Baxendale for a starting place but the latter does not mind, adding: "There are probably six players in our position and four who don't play, who will feel hard done by.

"It's good because once you get into the team you know you need to perform at a decent level to keep your place.

"You have to work hard to get into this team and that can only be good for the 11 out there, when you have people trying to get the spot."

The Saddlers host Carlisle United on Saturday to kick-off their festive programme with none of their opponents over the next fortnight currently in the top half of the table.

But Baxendale rejected the notion they should be viewed as "winnable" games.

"I never look at it like that and I don't really think you can," he said.

"We beat Peterborough and we beat Wolves but then you'd say we've not beat teams we are expected to beat.

"I don't think you can look at any game and say it's a winnable one because every game is a different test. There are teams down the lower end of the division fighting for the points just as much as the ones at the top."