'Strike partnership can lead promotion chase' says Walsall FC's Craig Westcarr
Top scorer Craig Westcarr believes his partnership with Romaine Sawyers can help silence claims that Walsall are a striker short of a promotion challenge.
Nine-goal Westcarr is on course to beat his previous best tally in a season – 13 with Notts County – having emerged as the leader of an attack which has managed 17 goals from its 15 League One games.
Manager Dean Smith, who lost his three leading scorers of last season during the summer, has repeatedly rebuffed claims that his Saddlers squad still needs more firepower.
But Walsall will hope to further their claims among the leading play-off contenders in Monday's home clash with third-placed Peterborough when rising star Sawyers is expected to partner him again.
That will be welcomed by Westcarr who is relishing his growing understanding with the former Albion prospect.
"It's going well with 'Rom.' He's a top quality player as we are seeing now and one you can really enjoy playing with," said Westcarr.
"We seem to have developed a good understanding and know what each other is going to do and where we are going to be.
"It's going well – although I think his dad was the sponsor which is why he got man of the match on Saturday!
"But I always felt I could play the 'lone' striker role. I had a go at it last season and felt comfortable.
"I'm pleased with my tally."
Smith remains resolute that his range of forwards give him all the options he needs to keep Walsall on course – and the performance of the season so far from Chelsea loanee Milan Lalkovich strengthens his standpoint.
Lalkovich pressed his claims in last weekend's FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.
"I'm a player who wants to take people on and try things, even if there are mistakes," he said."You have to keep wanting to try and I am encouraged to do that here.
"I'm really happy to get back on track but I need to keep performing like this."
