Liam Kinsella ready for right-back challenge at Walsall

The 21-year-old has found his opportunities limited at the Banks’s Stadium over the past two years despite impressing in 21 appearances.

Kinsella has featured in central midfield, at wing-back and in a number 10 role for the Saddlers over the past 12 months.

But after speaking to boss Jon Whitney, he hopes he can become a first-team regular by settling at right-back.

“I’ll be 22-years-old at the end of the season so it is make or break,” the talented youngster said.

“I’m going to nail down a position. I spoke with the gaffer and we agreed we would nail down right-back.

“It saves me having to keep moving about. It’s been good to get experience in different positions. It’s allowed me to learn different things.

“But I feel like right-back is one of my strongest positions. I am going to try and nail down that position.

“I have got good competition because Nicky Devlin has come in there. I’ve been watching him over the past two weeks and he is a very good player.

“But I’m looking forward to it. The challenge for me this season has to be to play as many first team games as I can.”

Kinsella was part of the Saddlers squad that spent the first part of this week at a gruelling pre-season boot camp in the Lake District.

And the Republic of Ireland under-21 international now feels in great shape heading into the new campaign.

“I feel the fittest I have ever been,” Kinsella added.

“Going into the season I am in good shape and ready to progress. Hopefully I can prove myself in the friendlies coming up and that will then put in good shape for the season.”

Meanwhile, the Express and Star understands Walsall’s talks with out-of-contract defender Matt Preston remain ongoing.

The centre-back, whose previous contract expired at the end of June, held talks with boss Whitney yesterday.

But it is understood further talks will take place shortly.