Liam Kinsella thriving in senior Walsall role
Tough tackling midfielder Liam Kinsella is relishing more responsibility in the middle of the park as he guides Walsall's younger talents.
The academy product is only 23-years-old but with injuries to players such as Danny Guthrie and Stuart Sinclair, Kinsella has found himself as the most experienced player in midfield at times this season.
He's played alongside 18-year-olds Alfie Bates and Sam Perry, as well as 22-year-old Rory Holden, and Kinsella is enjoying his important role.
“It’s not a role that I’m used to but I’ve got to keep guiding them," he said.
"If they’re next to me I’ll keep talking to them throughout the game and talk to them as much as I can.
"They’re excellent young players and they’re doing really well.
“When I’ve played there with Danny (Guthrie) and Sinco (Stuart Sinclair) I’m the young one.
"They help me through games so hopefully I can help the younger players when I’m playing and pass on the information when they play."
Meanwhile, defender Cameron Norman believes the club's tough start to the season has helped players develop as the season has progressed – with the right-back one of several players to have vastly improved throughout the campaign.
“I think especially for me and the younger players in the squad, to get through those times at the start of the season and it’s only good for our personal careers and going forward into the later part of the season," he said.
"If we get a result we didn’t want, we get over that quickly and bounce back quickly.
“I think some of the results we’ve picked up recently, especially away from home against good teams in the league, shows that we can compete in this league at the top of the table.
"Getting those results really make a difference, especially with a lot of young players in the team.
"That confidence to go away to Salford and get three points and before that get three points at home, we can take them into each game so if we can keep doing that then we can start the games on the front foot.
"There’s a lot of squad rotation and you’ve kind of got to adapt to that.
"When you’re not in the team you’ve got to work hard and do it for yourself as well as doing for the team.
"It’s been good to get back into the team and take my opportunity."
