Nathan Lowe reveals one big reason for sparkling Walsall loan form

The young striker arrived on loan in the summer and went on to score 15 league goals - as Walsall rose to the top of League Two.

He was recalled by his parent club in January and netted on his return in a 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Lowe's departure has been felt somewhat at Walsall - with the Saddlers going five games without a win as their lead at the top has been chopped.

The forward has gone into Stoke's first team on his return to the Bet365 Stadium, but has been explaining the reasons behind his impressive loan stint at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Lowe revealed he made the move to bring in a sports psychologist and it was a big factor behind his early season form.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I think it's helped my communication with the other players.

"Coming back to Stoke, I feel more part of the team. Intrinsically, I feel more able to speak up. I feel I am more able to speak up and speak my mind.

"The biggest thing for me was working outside of the club and hiring a sports psychologist that has worked with Olympians.

"It's such a massive part of the game now, the psychology element - it's half the battle.

"I feel a more confident player, and I'm sure the Stoke fans have seen the difference from when I left to when I came back."

Lowe brought in David Galbraith, who has worked with the Japan rugby team at the 2023 World Cup as well as with successful Olympians.

The striker added: "He's worked with a bunch of Olympians and high-level athletes. It wasn't really specific to football.

"I'm still doing sessions with him now monthly, and I'm catching up with him tomorrow. He's helped me massively."