Darrell Clarke has faith in ‘lethal’ Walsall winger Wes McDonald

The 23-year-old has only scored once this campaign and has arguably put in some inconsistent performances.

As one of the stars of last season, McDonald did look sharp in the second half against Barrow on Saturday and Clarke has backed his winger.

“When he’s on his game Wes McDonald is one of the best wide players in the league, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said. “He trains absolutely superbly, he’s a fantastic lad.

“Sometimes when wide players aren’t showing you those magical moments and goalscoring moments week in week out, people question whether he’s at it or not.

“What I do know with Wes is that he’s a lethal weapon and he’ll be coming to the boil. I think he’s worked tremendously hard for the team and he’s had spells in games when he’s looked very, very dangerous.

“Like all wide players they can become a little bit hot and cold at times but I have massive belief in Wes and I’ve been pleased with him. We know what he’s about, the players know what he’s about and he’s certainly contributed massively in this unbeaten run.

“You probably need six or seven players really at it to win games at League Two level, or give you the opportunity to win them, and we keep working not only on Wes but every individual player; making sure they’re trying to get to the top of the game.”

n Saddlers boss Clarke is set for a reunion with some familiar faces after Walsall were drawn to play his former club Bristol Rovers in the first round of the FA Cup.

The tie will take place at the Banks’s Stadium on the weekend of November 7.

Rovers are currently 11th in League One after three wins, two draws and two defeats in their start to the season.

Clarke spent four years as boss at the Memorial Stadium before leaving last year.