Downing playing his part in good form...
AS A key part of the meanest defence in League One, Paul Downing knows that The Saddlers are in for a tough examination on Saturday as we head to Bramall Lane to take on a Sheffield United side who will be boosted by their Capital One Cup exploits this week."We know it's going to be a tough test on Saturday," admitted vice captain Downing. "They will go into the game full of confidence and we know that there will be a strong atmosphere there, but if we play well on the day, we'll give them a good game.
"Our performances have been good and we've found a level of consistency that has seen us climb the table in recent weeks.
"We're also getting a number of different players on the scoresheet now and if we keep doing that, we'll be a real force in this League.
"The next three games see us come up against three of the top sides at this level, but we've given ourselves a good foundation and we're certainly a team that is hard to beat right now.
"A couple more wins and we will be right up there in the play-off mix. Everyone is capable of beating each other in this League, but as far as we are concerned, we're looking up the table now rather than down and a win on Saturday will really push us on.
"I'm happy with the way things are going for me personally and want to keep it going. I've took on more responsibility this season and grown as a player, so hopefully that will continue into the New Year."