Fab Feb: Walsall's Andy Butler praises striker Febian Brandy

Brandy's decision to face the flak from Saddlers fans disappointed with his decision to take Sheffield United's offer last summer has been rewarded by a triumphant impact in his new spell at The Banks's Stadium.

Not only has Brandy won over the supporter, but also his team-mates in the dressing room where his return on loan has been warmly received.

Saddlers skipper Butler believes the striker's electric form has injected even greater belief in Dean Smith's squad that a top-six challenge can be maintained.

"There has been belief all season but I think Febian coming back has buoyed a lot of people up,," he said.

"Just in his workrate, he takes two people with him and that means there is space from someone else.

"We are playing some really good stuff at the moment and people are starting to believe how good a side we are.

Butler believes Brandy eagerly seized the opportunity to work with Smith again after his disappointing spell at Bramall Lane.

And that is not surprising, says the Saddlers central defender as he paid tribute to the manager who has transformed the club.

"Football relies a lot on confidence," Butler adds. "If you have a manager that sticks with you when you have one bad game.

"He knows you are not a bad player all of a sudden because he can see what you are doing in training. It gives you confidence to go into the game and try different things.

"That is what the lads have been doing. Everyone who comes into the team has taken their chance.

"If you look at Ben Purkiss, for example - whenever James (Chambers) has been injured, and vice versa when he has come in for Ben.

"Everyone is pushing to be the best team we can be."