Walsall midfielder Liam Kinsella has spoken to club journalists and admitted he is working on playing a more advanced role for the team as he looks to add more goals to his game.
Walsall midfielder Liam Kinsella has spoken to club journalists and admitted he is working on playing a more advanced role for the team as he looks to add more goals to his game.
Colchester-born Kinsella, a product of the Saddlers' youth system, netted the only goal of the game as the Reds defeated Shrewsbury Town in a behind closed doors friendly last week and is hoping to be able to offer more attacking options during the coming campaign.
The 24 year-old former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international admitted that manager Darrell Clarke challenged him to add goals to his game as the gaffer looks to build upon last season's mid-table finish following a lengthy period in lockdown.
Speaking via the club's official website, Liam said; "He wants me to get in the scoresheet.
"Especially if you are playing in the number ten role that’s what you’re there to do, you’re there to get the goals and the assists and if I’m playing that role that’s what I’m looking to do. I can play anywhere in the midfield.
"People know me as a tackler in the midfield, winning the ball back but it’s something I can adopt to my game, try and get forward and get on the scoresheet."
Kins, who made forty first-team appearances during the curtailed 2019/20 campaign, went on to talk about last week's win over the Shrews and admitted it was important for the team to secure a win as they look to hit the ground running when the 2020/21 campaign gets underway next month.
Liam continued; "It’s important to get into winning ways. That’s what you want to bring into the new season. Thankfully I’ve come up with the goal.
"In first half we played a lot of football, played some decent stuff and hopefully we can take that into the next game.
"Pre-season’s always going to be tough and that’s why in the off-season you’ve got to do the work there to bring it in to pre-season.
"That’s what you’ve got to do, there’s going to be a lot of games Saturday/Tuesday so you have got to be fit and you have got to be ready and the gaffer’s done that with us and everyone is looking fit."
Meanwhile, the Saddlers will be taking on Burton Albion in a behind closed doors friendly on Saturday afternoon.