Liam Kinsella wants to be central to Walsall

The 22-year-old was restored to the Saddlers starting line-up for the FA Cup clash with Coventry on Saturday and claimed an assist for Nicky Devlin’s late winner.

Kinsella is expected to be given another chance to impress in the middle of the park tonight when Keates’s side host Port Vale in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Both teams have already qualified for the second round from Northern Group E.

But while there is little at stake, Kinsella is determined to make the most of his time on the field.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international put in a man of the match display in the win at Bristol Rovers last month.

But he then found himself back amongst the substitutes after the team put in an underwhelming display in the loss at Luton.

Kinsella returned to the side from the subs bench against Charlton last week. And now he is back in the starting XI, he is determined to seize his chance.

“When I was told I was coming on against Charlton I knew I had to put in a performance,” Kinsella said.

“I wanted to give the gaffer something to think about.

“Then it was a case of building on that performance.

“It’s important for me to get minutes under my belt and when I get a chance I have to take it.

“Every time I play I need to show the gaffer what I am made of.”

Kinsella admits he is enjoying working with former midfielder Keates – who won three promotions with Walsall in his playing days.

“Every week I come into training I feel I am improving as a player,” the youngster continued.

“Having the gaffer as a centre-mid, it’s always nice to learn from him. He always gives me advice and I feel like I am improving.

“He knows what he is talking about.

“I’m enjoying working with him and enjoying training.”