Consistency key to more Walsall chances - Browne

Walsall defender Rico Browne says patience and consistency are the key aspects that will help him get more first-team minutes this season.

The 21-year-old made only his fourth appearance of the campaign in Tuesday's Vertu Trophy defeat by Northampton Town, his first game for more than a month.

The former Birmingham City academy graduate joined the Saddlers on an initial one -year deal in September 2024 before that was extended by another 12 months for this season.

Having not played since 2 September in Walsall's 3-1 win at Shrewsbury, again in the EFL Trophy, Browne said getting a good run out against the League One Cobblers was very welcome.

"With my lack of game time I think that was needed," he told BBC Radio WM.

"It's been three or four weeks since the last game I played so it was important to get through the 90 [minutes]."

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In his fledgling career, Browne has performed in a number of defensive roles including right-back, wing-back and on both sides of a three centre-back system.

Although he has a favoured side, Browne knows he needs to be adaptable to maximise his usefulness to head coach Mat Sadler.

"Playing on the right is my natural position but I feel I needed to show my versatility," he said.

"I feel more comfortable now on the left than I did last season due to playing there more in pre-season. I feel I can do either side now when needed."

With the Saddlers top of League Two and hoping for another tilt at promotion this term, Browne says it is hard to break into the side but will stay ready to take his chance.

"The team's been performing well so you can't really moan about anything," he said.

"You've just got to wait until the opportunity presents itself and when it does, just make sure you take it."