Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the press following Sunday afternoon's Sky Bet League 1 demolition of Milton Keynes Dons, and has discussed the changes he made to the team following Boxing Day's defeat to Swindon Town.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said; “Jim’s (James O'Connor) been chomping at the bit to get back in the team and Ben Purkiss has kept him out with good performances.
“I just felt it was right to put Jim in after the defeat on Friday. Ben has done excellently but Jim came in and did a fantastic job.
“And Young Rico as well, he’s been possibly our best player in the last couple of games but he’s only just turned 17. He’s an excellent exciting prospect for us but it was time to give him a rest.
“Andy Taylor’s come through really well. We know he’s very reliable and he put in a really good performance against Carl Baker’s who’s a really good player, ex-Coventry, and Taylor’s done well.
“I think it’s just reward for the players because we didn’t deserve 4-1 on Friday against Swindon,” said Smith.
“And I think if somebody offered me four points out of the three games – Sheffield United away, Swindon at home and MK Dons – you’d have probably taken it.
“Well it’s better than drawing all three games, you get more points and more excitement by winning at a place like MK Dons.”
SOURCE EXPRESS & STAR