Paul Downing hungry to regain trust
Defender Paul Downing has vowed to fight for his place in Walsall's first team after suffering Wembley woe and ending the season on the substitutes' bench.
The 23-year-old featured 45 times for Dean Smith's men in the 2014/15 campaign but lost his place in the starting XI following defeat to Bristol City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. Downing was forced to watch from the sidelines as Smith opted to pair James Chambers and James O'Connor at centre-back throughout April.
And the former Albion trainee admits being dropped wasn't an experience he enjoyed.
"Losing my place in the team has made me very hungry over the summer," Downing said.
"I'll be working very hard to try to regain my spot.
"No player likes being on the bench – playing every week you're in the same routine so it's a bit different when you're not playing.
"It's made me more determined that when the season starts I'm back in the team.
"I think, with one or two additions, we can really progress in the league next season and I am determined to be a part of it."
Downing said he knows what areas he needs to improve if he is going to cement himself in Smith's plans once again.
"I'm working hard to keep improving," he said.
"I can improve and attack the ball better in both boxes and I think I need to start scoring a few goals."
Following the departure of keeper Richard O'Donnell, Downing also feels it is vital the club bring in a glovesman this summer who is ready to compete for the No.1 jersey.
"We don't want to be having lots of loan keepers because it's such an important part of the team," he said.
"It's important we have a reliable, solid number one keeper."
