IT'S no coincidence that Clayton McDonald's first two games in the heart of The Saddlers' back-line have seen us keep consecutive clean sheets.

The 20 year-old has slotted well into the starting line-up following his loan switch from Manchester City and no-one could be more proud than his dad, Rod, who himself earned cult status here at the Banks's Stadium during the early 1990s for his no-nonsense and committed displays.

Whereas Rod was a goal-getter, who stood at 5'10", Clayton is 6'6" of pure defender. "I couldn't be more proud of the lad," said McDonald senior, whose other son, Rodney, is part of the Stoke City Academy. "As a footballer he needs regular first-team games and to be getting them here at Walsall, a club that is very close to my heart, is an added bonus.

"He has settled in well. He is here to keep things simple and defend, which he has done in his two games so far. He's won his tackles and headers and wasn't overawed playing in front of such a big crowd at Norwich last weekend.

"It would be nice for him to chip in with the odd goal, but first and foremost, he is here to defend and continue his development."

Supporters will be able to catch up with Rod before our next home game against Swindon Town on Saturday, September 19th, whilst he will also be appearing on the pitch during the half-time interval. "It was great to be invited back here to play in a charity game during the summer," he added. "Then I came to the Bury game recently and enjoyed seeing some old faces and chatting about the old days.

"I'll always look back on my time here with great fondness and enjoyed playing in front of the Walsall supporters, they were always great to me and hopefully they will take to Clayton in a similar way."