Walsall defender Harry Williams chases "consistency" after bright start

Walsall defender Harry Williams feels that he has "proved" his quality in the Football League but insists that consistency remains key.

Williams, who joined Walsall from non-league Alvechurch in the summer of 2023, has started in each of the last nine league games. 

The 22-year-old has seized his chance since replacing Oisin McEntee following his calf injury against Cheltenham Town at the end of August and has retained his place in the team despite the returns of McEntee and club captain Donervon Daniels. 

When asked to assess his start to the season, Williams said: "It comes down to confidence and the manager trusting me when I came in. I feel like I've proved myself but it's about continually doing that now. 

"I say it all the time, it's consistency and doing it on a consistent basis. I'm grateful for the opportunities that I've got and hopefully it continues. 

"I'll always continue to give 100 percent on that pitch every time so I'm pretty pleased with myself." 

Williams missed the 4-0 defeat at Southampton in the FA Cup third round in January due to a hip flexor injury which side lined him for the second half of the previous campaign. 

He was also not involved in the earlier rounds against both Sheppey United and Alfreton Town as his FA Cup debut in Walsall colours awaits against League One outfit Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.

Walsall dumped League One pair Exeter City and Huddersfield Town out of the Carabao Cup before falling to an agonising shoot-out defeat against Premier League outfit Leicester City. 

They also earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Birmingham City in the EFL Trophy where Williams shone brightly against the Blues' star-studded attack of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May.

 Williams described each of those games as "confidence builders" and feels they have helped create further momentum in the league.

"Each of those games were confidence builders. We've come up against teams higher than us and proves we can compete at the level," he continued.

"We're obviously where we are now but if you can show yourself up against higher opposition and we can take that momentum back into the league then it puts us in a good place.

"I'm relishing each opportunity and it's my first in the FA Cup with Walsall. Playing against higher opposition is good but it's just another game for myself which I'm looking forward to."