Walsall centre-half Priestly Farquharson has been praised by manager Mat Sadler after returning from injury, in an interview with the Express & Star.
Farquharson has only recently returned to the side following an injury sustained against AFC Wimbledon in September. However the defender has instantly had an impact, helping Walsall end a six-match winless run in the league away at Notts County last week.
The defender joined the Saddlers in the summer from Newport County yet has only made six League Two appearances this season due to injury. Farquharson proved his worth as soon as he returned, also helping the side progress through to the next round of the FA Cup.
It is evident just how important the defender is in Sadler’s side, as Walsall are clearly a better team when the 26-year-old is on the pitch.
Another good showing is expected as the Saddlers welcome 21st-placed Tranmere Rovers to the Bescot Stadium on Saturday. Although their position in the league may not suggest it, Tranmere have been in great form as of late, winning three of their last five League Two matches, drawing the other two.
They’ll prove a tough nut to crack, however Walsall’s victory at Notts County last weekend also sets them up well for their clash this afternoon. Mat Sadler will be hoping that his side can harness that momentum to get their first home league victory in over a month.
Farquharson will play a big part in that game, and the defender was the subject of plenty of praise from Sadler in his interview with the Express & Star.
“I think Priestley makes a big difference to us. Heis a fantastic player at the level and we have really missed him when he’s not been fit.”
“It’s hard to replace a man of his stature. There have been circumstances around why we haven’t had that momentum sooner.
“Let’s keep the guys fit and keep climbing.”
In a separate interview with club media, Farquharson spoke on the importance of staying positive and keeping the current winning momentum going.
“We’ve been unbeaten in three and we need to keep that and keep solid. Clean sheets are massive because you can win 1-0s, 2-0s. A corner has been turned but we need to keep on that trajectory and keep going forward.
“We can’t accept mediocre so for Tranmere we’ve got to go in and win that game at home and make it a fortress again.
“For me, Saturday is a massive game to staple our position on the season and creep up the table.”
Writer’s View
Gaining Farquharson’s services in the summer was a great bit of business for the Saddlers, however we’ve hardly got to see the defender in a red shirt so far this season.
Now fully fit, he can help Walsall continue the winning momentum, which they’ve not had much of this season. That being said they do face a tough assignment against an in-form Tranmere side.
Senior Editor
