Liam Kinsella aims to hit Walsall goal trail

The 24-year-old has only netted three times in 125 appearances for the Saddlers but was on the scoresheet in last week’s friendly win over Shrewsbury Town, after being fielded in a more advanced role by boss Darrell Clarke.

And Kinsella revealed his desire to become known as more than just a hard-working midfielder.

He said: “I can play anywhere in the middle. People know me as a tackler, someone who will get stuck in and win the ball back.

“But goalscoring is something I can add to my game, try and get forward and like Friday try and get on the scoresheet.

“He (the manager) wants me to do that. If you are playing in the No.10 role that is something you have to do, get those goals and assists.”

The season’s start is now less than a fortnight away for the Saddlers, who first host Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup a week on Saturday, September 5.

For Kinsella and his team-mates it will be the first competitive match in almost six months after last season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

The month’s delay to the campaign means the fixture list is more congested than ever and Kinsella echoed the thoughts of boss Clarke when admitting every player must be ready contribute. “It’s the longest time I have had off not playing,” he said. “Everyone has looked sharp and fit coming into pre-season.

“Obviously the first few games people are going to be a bit rusty when we have not played much.

“It is Saturday-Tuesday and is going to come thick and fast. You have to be ready. Whoever is not on the bench on a Saturday has to be ready for Tuesday because there are going to be a lot of games. Everyone knows that and is ready for that.”