It’s been a tough watch for Walsall skipper James Clarke

The centre-back missed two months of action after picking up a knee injury in training in early January.

He started in the 1-1 draw at Crawley on Tuesday and lasted the full 90 minutes – putting in a superb performance.

Clarke has had to watch the Saddlers struggle during his injury lay-off – giving players pep talks at half-time – but is now pleased to be handing out on-field advice.

"It's been very difficult," Clarke said.

"I don't like to have too much of an opinion when I've watched a game that I've not been involved in, it's more of a confidence chat I have with some of the boys.

"Now I'm back out there I can try and improve games, give advice through games and when needed tell people what they need to be doing. As well as them telling me.

"We're all in this together and we need to help each other out and become men.

"I know the results have not gone our way but I saw a battle of men against Crawley, when in other games we've gone hiding and been boyish.

"We're very disappointed not to come away with three points."

With other injury concerns keeping key players out, manager Brian Dutton was delighted to have his skipper back.

"It's massive (having him back)," Dutton said.

"I'm having to roll out my 36-year-old assistant manager week after week to plug the gaps.

"Dan Scarr is now unavailable and our captain has been missing all throughout this period.

"Our best player in Rory Holden has been missing throughout this period. We've lost a hell of a talent in Elijah Adebayo.

"It has been very tough and we need our best players in contention.

"Hopefully we'll have those options available soon. The future is bright and I'm looking forward to it.

"We have to put things into context, that was a great away performance."