'Vincent is a smart guy' - Darren Byfield explains Harper right-back call for Walsall

Harper has exclusively played at left wing-back since arriving at Walsall last summer, but had previously been deployed on the right at times for Exeter City and Eastleigh.

'He's a smart guy - our Vincent' - Byfield on right-back call

And the Kenyan international was quick to remind Byfield before he took charge of his first game in interim charge.

Interim Byfield said: "I'm not even going to take the praise for that. He told me because once I told him the team, he was walking out and said: 'Daz can I just say, you know I can play right-back? 

"He's a smart guy our Vincent, but he planted a seed and it worked." 

Browne was also a surprise starter at right-back, as he made his first league start since a 2-0 defeat against Tuesday's opponents Cambridge United on New Year's Day. 

Browne tipped to shine as a right-back

The 22-year-old appeared to be struggling with a knock to the back which he picked up in the latter stages of the first half. 

He was able to soldier on for the first 20 minutes of the second half before making way for Harper. 

Byfield has revealed he will be assessed over the next 48 hours, but felt Browne's performance demonstrated his potential as a right-back.

"That was my worry because Rico and Mason Hancock as our full-back haven't played many games," he added.

"So we have to assess it again for Tuesday, but Rico is someone from the outset that I've always said could be a top right-back if you play a back-four. 

"And today he was class."