Walsall staff & players 'pivotal' to Lowe progress

Nathan Lowe signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Stoke in January

Teenage Walsall striker Nathan Lowe says having the faith and trust of the club's coaching staff and team-mates is "pivotal" to his development.

The 19-year-old is furthering his first-team experience at the Saddlers on a season-long loan from Championship side Stoke City and is already making an impact.

His two goals in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chesterfield took his tally to six in 12 appearances overall, including four goals in six League Two games.

That result took Walsall top of a congested table on goals scored from Gillingham, with Barrow and Doncaster also on 19 points after 10 matches.

"I'm pleased but not satisfied," Lowe told BBC Radio WM.

"I want more and I'm confident I'll get them. Scoring goals is what I want to do and it brings me the most joy in life so I'll continue to do that, hopefully."

Despite seeing his goals put Walsall 2-0 up only for Chesterfield to fight back to claim a point, Lowe says stopping the rot after their shock 6-2 defeat by Fleetwood in the previous game was vital.

"It was important we bounced back. That was so out of character for us," he said.

"Obviously the league's not won and lost in October but you'd rather be top than anywhere else - it's pole position."

'I'm glad I can repay that trust'

After making his first-team debut for Stoke aged 17 at Blackpool in February 2023, Lowe broke into the Potters side more regularly last season, making 15 appearances, including 13 in the Championship.

He also scored his first senior goal - a last-minute winner at Bristol City in his first league game of that campaign.

Lowe says his move across the Midlands to work with Walsall head coach Mat Sadler and his team is working out very well.

"Everyone's important but the trust and faith the gaffer's put in me is really important," Lowe said.

"As a striker, you need a run of games. He said he trusts me and is going to play me over and over again and that's really important to me.

"I'm glad he and the coaching staff rate me enough and I'm glad I can repay that trust."

It is not just Sadler and his support staff who have been key.

Lowe says the relationships he is building with his fellow forwards at the club - Jamille Matt, Danny Johnson and Albert Adomah - is further enhancing his development.

"I'm just at the start of my career and they're way more experienced and the more I can learn from them the better," Lowe said.

"They've all taken me under their wing - and they don't have to do that.

"Especially the likes of DJ because, as it stands, I'm playing over him and that says a lot about him that he's trying to get me better and I appreciate that.

"Obviously with Jammer (Jamille), we're trying to strike up that partnership and he helps me when I'm not feeling confident.

"We're starting to click and I think you can see that."

Lowe is also having to adapt his game to a new system at Walsall with Sadler keen on a 3-5-2 formation.

"It's hard because I'm used to playing on my own up front so playing as a two took a bit of getting used to," he said.

"[First-team coach] Darren Byfield has given me valuable information.

"I'm liked and appreciated here. I'm trying to get better and those people are pivotal to that."