Walsall Football Club defender Paul Downing has spoken to the press ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League One clash with Preston North End, and has backed summer signing James O'Connor to become a regular fixture in the Saddlers' back-line.Speaking to the Express & Star, Paul said; “Jimmy played very well on Saturday. He’s played a few games at full-back and we know he can play anywhere along the back four so it’s important that we keep him fit.
“He is a very good player and he showed that. He has played at a higher level and he reads the game very well.
“Hopefully we can keep him in the team because it would be good to build a relationship and build on Saturday.
“He’s not the biggest, but he is very good in the air when the ball is in his area. He’s aggressive and gets a good distance on his headers, which shows you don’t have to be tall to play at centre-back.”