"But a good cup run can give the players a lot of confidence and also breed that winning mentality we're trying to build here."Teenage midfielder Payne got his breakthrough in this competition against Yeovil 12 months ago and said on the club website: "This time around I want to push on and become a regular starter in the team
That's the aim for me this season."Walsall boss Dean Smith has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup trip to Southend but is still waiting on Sam Mantom, Ben Purkiss, Matt Preston and Jordan Cook returning to full fitness.The Saddlers began their League One campaign with a solid draw at Port Vale and Smith is content with the progress being made at the club.On Mantom, the manager told Walsall Player: "He played 20 minutes against Aston Villa last week and that's the first action he's had in pre-season
He felt it slightly the following day and the important thing is we make sure it's only one or two weeks he misses rather than a few months, so we've got to make sure he's right as he's a big player for us."Purkiss is expected to step up his recovery in the next week, with fellow defender Preston another week behind, while Smith is eyeing a cup run to boost his search for reinforcements up front
Source : PA
Source: PA