Ben Purkiss is hoping for a change of luck

Tuesday's 1-0 win over Rochdale was his first appearance since March, yet the 30-year-old is unlikely to be counting too many chickens – the past year has been full of false dawns.

Whether missing through injury, ill-timed suspension or the fine form of others, Purkiss never seems to catch a break.

At the start of last season, when he felt he was in the best shape of his career, the former Hereford Town man was unable to break into a team which was in-form and injury free.

Despite never being dropped through poor form, he made just 16 appearances last term, the final one at Rotherham when he was dismissed after collecting two innocuous yellow cards.

This season, when the Saddlers injury crisis would have guaranteed him a starting place, Purkiss was injured himself.

He was among the first to fall when he injured his ankle on the first morning of the pre-season training tour of Devon.

Little wonder then, that when it is mentioned things haven't exactly gone his way, it raises a wry smile.

"I don't think I have ever had anything like it before," he says. "I have never experienced something like this where you almost feel, one week after the next, something comes up, something happens.

"It's been unbelievable but you kind of have to deal with everything the game throws at you be it injury, be it sending off or other people who can play in your position.

"You have to take things on the chin and try to get better every time. I have maybe been a little bit unfortunate but it is swings and roundabouts and hopefully things will start to turn."

Purkiss is not the only player who has had to wait for their chance this season.

At one stage last month, physio Jon Whitney was forced to give players individual appointment times such was the number of injured bodies.

"We were saying we had a team in the physio room which would probably have been a good match for the team on the pitch," adds Purkiss. "That is how many people were injured and the calibre and experience of player that was out."

Sam Mantom is the Saddlers only long-term injury concern that remains, while the defence is even stronger than before thanks to the loan presence of former skipper Andy Butler.

For Purkiss it means an even tougher fight for a place, yet it is one he is prepared for.

"It is just about being ready and hoping your opportunity arises." he said. "You just have to be ready when the chance comes."