Hard work at Walsall is the key for Luke Leahy

But Luke Leahy has vowed to keep working hard in order to become an established League One defender.

The 25-year-old, who is originally from Coventry, was snapped up on a free transfer from Scottish outfit Falkirk in the summer.

Initially signed as a wing-back, Leahy has been deployed at full-back for the majority of the campaign.

And he admits his first season at the Banks’s Stadium has been a big learning curve.

“I’m loving it here, I’ve started every game which I really didn’t expect with it being my first season down here,” Leahy said.

“I’ve not been injured which is down to preparation and doing the right things.

“I’ve really enjoyed the experience and the highs and lows but we know we have to end the season by staying in League One. That is the only thing that matters now.

“I was signed as a wing-back and I’m used to playing there.

“I had played full-back before but I was expecting us to play 3-5-2.

“I feel I’ve matured a lot as a player. I’m learning when to go and when not to go attacking wise.

“And also when to cover the centre-half.

“I want to keep playing every game and become an established left-back in this league.”

Peterborough’s Marcus Maddison is the only player to register more assists then Leahy in League One this season.

The Posh winger has 16, while Leahy, Blackburn’s Jack Payne and Plymouth’s Graham Carey all have 12.

And Leahy feels he is at his best when going forward.

“I’d say the best part of my game is going forward,” he continued.

“If we are playing a diamond, like we did against Bury, then the width has to come from the full-backs.

“I’m up and down every game doing a lot of running and I enjoy that.

“That’s my game – energy, coming onto the ball finding the strikers’ feet and getting balls into the box.”

Leahy admits he is happy with his assist tally for the campaign.

“I’m glad that I’ve got a lots of assists this season – it’s nice setting people up,” he said.

“I had a target of six at the start of the season and I’ve doubled that now.”

After letting a two-goal lead slip to lose 3-2 against AFC Wimbledon, Walsall are now favourites with bookmakers to be relegated this season.

But Leahy has promised fans the players will give everything to beat the drop.

“We know what is at stake and the position we are in.” he added.

“Results are all that matter.

“It’s been a frustrating season, we’ve struggled for consistency all year.

“But we will fight to stay in this league. And I truly believe we will.”