Walsall defender Vincent Harper has made it clear that his full attention is on his club’s upcoming league fixture against Newport County, following a surprise exclusion from Kenya’s Harambee Stars squad. The Saddlers will be aiming to maintain their strong league form after a positive run of results, and Harper is determined to help the team continue their momentum.
Harper recently played a key role in Walsall’s FA Cup victory over his former club, Eastleigh, a match that ended in a 3-0 triumph. Reflecting on the game, he acknowledged the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces while remaining critical of the team’s performance. “We got the job done, but I don’t think we started well enough. Second half, we showed what we can do and still had a lot left to give,” Harper noted.
The win set up a Second Round clash against National League side Gateshead, a team Harper is familiar with. “They’re a decent side and like to play; it won’t be easy. We need to approach it like any other game but start better than last time,” he said.
However, the immediate focus for Harper and Walsall is their league encounter against Newport County. Despite the opponents’ position near the bottom of the table, Harper expects a competitive challenge. “Although they’re towards the bottom, that probably gives them more hunger. We need the right mindset, respect them but not too much, and hopefully score early to dominate the game,” he added.
Away from club duties, Harper reflected on his recent experiences with the Harambee Stars during the World Cup qualifiers, describing the experience as “surreal” and a proud moment for his family. He had been named in the initial squad for November friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros, only to be dropped from the final team, which now faces Equatorial Guinea and Senegal. Harper, along with teammates Manzur Okwaro and Adam Wilson, was omitted without explanation from the head coach, leaving him to refocus on his club responsibilities.
Harper’s professionalism remains evident as he channels his energy into helping Walsall stay at the top of the league, with eyes firmly set on securing maximum points against Newport County and advancing further in the FA Cup.
