Ashley Hemmings has a point to prove at Walsall FC

The former Wolves winger revealed he was full of self- doubt after being axed from the team earlier in the season.

He scored on his debut against Brentford but started just one of eight games before making a scoring return in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Crawley.

The 21-year-old kept his place for Tuesday's stalemate at Tranmere and, ahead of Saturday's visit of Hartlepool, insisted he has rediscovered his spark.

He said: "It's been tough because my confidence went and I started not believing in myself. This is definitely a second start to my season. I've got to keep it up and maintain that level.

"It happens to most players, but the best thing is I've got a great team around me and they give me confidence.

"I got a goal at the start but I hadn't got another before Saturday. It's a boost for any player when you score.

"That's where I'm aiming for – to get back to the standard I was at the start of the season. I had a little dip but I'll be back."

And Hemmings, who made three appearances for Wolves after coming through the ranks, thanked boss Dean Smith for keeping faith with him during his rocky spell.

"He's a great manager. He's someone who is there for his team and he'll defend anyone."

Smith also backed Hemmings to come good and said he has improved after shaking off his problems.

"He started well, had a dip and has started to come back. He's still only young and we'll keep nurturing him through," he said.

"I tell the players that they need to show me they want to be in the team and he's been doing that over the last week or two."

n Walsall reserves smashed Wrexham reserves 9-0 in the Central League yesterday.

Doubles from Adam Chambers, Kieron Morris and Danny Griffiths were added to by George Bowerman, Jake Jones and Connor Taylor.