DEAN Smith was happy to see Jordan Cook grab his first Walsall goal and reckons the on-loan Sunderland ace could be a key player during the run-in.

The attacking midfielder scored in the 3-2 victory over Brentford in midweek on his first start for the club and showed off the qualities that have made him so highly-rated at his parent club.

Smith is delighted to have the 21-year-old on board for their crunch relegation run-in and believes he could prove the difference as Walsall aim to protect their League One status.

“Cook has got pace and as games get stretched and defenders get tired he can go and stretch them even further,’’ he said.

“It was a great little turn and finish in the box against Brentford.

‘‘That’s what we have seen from him and why we brought him in.”

Smith brought the young Englishman in last month before the loan window shut and admitted he was excited with what he has seen so far.

“He’s a quick lad who knows where the back of the goal is,’’ Smith added.

‘‘One of his attributes is he’s very good at slowing people up and then he’s got that burst of speed that gets past them.

“I’d seen him play a couple of times for Sunderland reserves and he’s thought of very highly up there.

“There’s definitely a role for him in the final few weeks of the season.

“There will be twists and turns still and we might pick up injuries.

“I’ve said to the whole squad that they will all be needed at some stage and I still see that as being a possibility.”

Cook is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s tough home game with already-promoted Brighton.