CLAYTON Ince returned to The Saddlers' starting XI at MK Dons on Saturday following a five-game absence and made a string of crucial saves to ensure Chris Hutchings' men left Milton Keynes with all three points.
"I was pleased with my performance but I thought the whole team did well," he said. "We showed good character to go to a place like MK Dons and get a win.
"We got in at half-time 0-0 and I thought second-half we did really well and deserved the victory. It was nice to be back out there. When Mark Wright hit his shot I didn't have time to see who had hit it but when I found out is was him, I was happy! He scored at our place for MK Dons earlier in the season, so I've got one back on him!
"MK had something on the game, they needed a win to help their promotion push. We were able to just go out there, express ourselves and play for professional pride. We put pressure on ourselves to perform and get the win and that's what we did."
His man-of-the-match performance marked the end of what has been a difficult few weeks for the popular keeper. Whilst away on International Duty, Ince suffered a family bereavement, which saw him return to his homeland. He admitted that the tragedy put things into perspective.
"it has been a difficult couple of weeks," he admitted. "To be back out there playing took my mind off things and I enjoyed myself.
"To be fair to Rene Gilmartin, he has done very well in the last few games, so it was pleasing to get my place back. The last few weeks have reminded me that there is more to life than football but, that said, I love my football and I love playing, so it was pleasing to be back in the team and helping us to get a win."