RICHARD Taundry grew up on the Walsall terraces and is now an integral part of the team desperate to keep the Saddlers in League One.

The 22-year-old played in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Charlton that ensured their destiny remains in their own hands.

Now Taundry and Co go into the final game of the season at Southampton knowing a win will keep Walsall in the league and complete a remarkable turnaround

“From where we were at Christmas to where we are now is a step in the right direction for the club,” said the boyhood Saddler. “Hopefully we can sort it out this year and take it into next season.

“I wouldn’t say it’s great to help the club try to stay up because of our position but to be part of it is a big privilege for me.

“It’s a massive time of year for the club so to be part of it is an honour.

“It’s not a nice situation to be in but to be part of the team helping the club stay up would be a big thing.”

The weekend win, which saw Walsall record an unlikely double over the Addicks, was off-set by Dagenham & Redbridge’s success over Carlisle.

But the Great Escape is now firmly on with a victory on Saturday guaranteeing survival.

More than 500 tickets have already been snapped up for the trip to St Mary’s and they will go on sale again today.

The Saddlers have been given an allocation of 1,700 seats.