STOURBRIDGE wing wizard Sean Evans has praised boss Gary Hackett for restoring his confidence.

The former Manchester United reserve has been a revelation since arriving at Amblecote in August.

His mazy runs from the left flank and lethal finishing have added an extra dimension to the Glassboys side and he has quickly become a fans favourite. He has netted five times during the FA Cup run, including a hat-trick in the 6-1 demolition of Hucknall Town.

Evans, who joined Stour from Cinderford Town, admits his confidence has been restored by Hackett after his career appeared to stall in difficult spells at Shrewsbury Town and Aberystwyth.

Evans said: “It’s been good for me personally because the last couple of clubs I have had have been difficult to settle at and difficult to find form.

“At this club with Gary being an ex left midfielder in his heyday has been good for me.

“He has helped to encourage me, has told me to get on the ball and don’t worry about making mistakes.

“It’s given me confidence and football is based on confidence.”

Evans has hailed the team spirit at Amblecote and believes that has been key to their cup run.

He said: “The team moral is really high at the moment.

“It’s just team spirit, everyone gets on really well.

“We went out together in Birmingham a few weeks ago.

“There is not really one player that is disliked in the dressing room.”

Evans played alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes during his time at United.

He believes the experience will stand him in good stead for Saturday and says the Glassboys will go into the big game confident of causing an upset.

He added: “Stourbridge has never been to the first round before, most of the lads won’t have experienced it.

“I have played in a few big games in my time, even though I’m young, and I don’t think the occasion will phase me but you never know.

“Walsall will be coming to our ground as favourites but they will be nervous as well.

“They won’t want to be the big story on the back pages of the Sunday papers