Rico Browne hopes versatility will increase his Walsall chances

The 21-year-old is still awaiting his League Two debut for the Saddlers but did feature three times in the EFL Trophy. 

Browne, who arrived in September last year after rejecting a new contract from Birmingham City, also gained experience on loan at Tamworth. 

Despite being a centre-back by trade, Browne played at right-back for the Lambs, before playing at wing-back for Walsall against Reading and Peterborough respectively in the EFL Trophy knockout phase. 

"The loan at Tamworth was a new experience because I was playing right-back," Browne reflected.

"I'd never actually played there before but I was still confident that I could do a job there. 

"After the first game that we won against Gateshead when they were top of the league, I can have an impact on the team here and this can add to the positions I can play in the future. 

"It was a really good loan and I enjoyed it."

Prior to joining Walsall, Browne also enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at neighbours Rushall Olympic where he played alongside fellow Saddlers teammate Ronan Maher. 

The young defender made 18 appearances in the National League North in 2023-24, scoring once and setting up two more.

Browne worked under Liam McDonald at Dales Lane and praised the former Pics boss for helping him identify his main strengths as a young player. 

"The way Liam was with me was so good. He let me know what my strengths are and what I can develop," he added. 

"He was so transparent with everything. The style of play that Rushall play, I don't think I couldn't have gone to a better team on loan. 

"I see myself as a ball playing defender and that brought out the best in me."