Jonah back to something like his best in infuential midfield display against Crawley.

James Jones says that hard work out on the training ground and remaining patient re-opened the door for his return to first-team action.

The former Scotland Under-21 International has returned to the starting line-up in the wake of an injury to Tom Lowery and he has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, scoring against Oldham Athletic and producing a top performance against Crawley Town.

He started his first game at Walsall after a wait of four months and he admits that it has been tough going.

Jonah told the club’s official website: ““It has been difficult, I am not going to lie but that is football and when the team are doing well and the players selected ahead of you are doing well then you have to get on with it and work even harder.

“I think I’ve done that. I have been as professional as I can be and knew that if I kept going then an opportunity would come. That is how you have got to approach it and I tried to do well in training and be a good pro, and trusted that the chance would come.

“It’s good to be back in the team. It’s what I wanted.

"It's been strange because the team has been doing really well so I'm pleased for that but, at the same time, I want to be a bigger part of it.

James added: "It's been a case of biding my time, working hard and waiting for my chance. I know I am capable, and hopefully I've taken my chance.”