Jamie Jellis praises "key role" of Walsall's leadership pack

35-year-old Jamille Matt has worn the armband for much of the campaign with club captain Donervon Daniels missing large periods due to injury.

Daniels has played just nine times in all competitions this term and is not expected to return from his calf issue until the end of this month.

Brandon Comley only made his first league start of the season in the 2-0 win at Morecambe last month while 37-year-old Albert Adomah has injected vital experience into the squad since his arrival last summer. 

And Jellis believes the experienced players, regardless of the minutes they've played, have been as key as anyone to helping lift Walsall to the top of the table.

He said: "I know that he (Comley) has not had as many minutes as he would like this season but he is the first one at half-time to walk over to you or to get the boys going in the changing room before the game. 

"He is a massive character and a massive part of this season. Brandon, Jamille and the skipper (Daniels). They're the first ones to get everyone lifted for games and I think a lot of people are starting to come out of their shell and drive everyone forward. 

"Some of the boys that wouldn't speak much. Now, everyone is solely focused, everyone is getting each other up for the games."