Michael Cain: Loan Feature Special

A hugely talented midfielder, Cain has progressed swiftly through the ranks at Leicester City, earning the Academy Player of the Year award in 2012/13, before establishing himself in Steve Beaglehole's Development Squad the following season.
His presence from midfield then saw him make his debut for the first team in the Capital One Cup defeat to Shrewsbury in August 2014.
Earning plenty of plaudits from that performance, Cain went on to spend four months on loan at the Saddlers from October to January before extending his stay until the end of the 2014/15 season, having already had a loan spell at Mansfield Town last season.
Three goals in a Walsall shirt later, Cain says he is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of League 1 football.
“I’ve loved playing regular league football,”Cain told Foxes Player. “I notched up over 20 games in a row, which is obviously demanding on the legs, but it’s been a really good experience.
“I feel like I’ve learnt a lot. I think my all-round game has improved and I think I’ve matured as a player and a person, so I’m very happy and very grateful.”
For Cain, playing under Dean Smith has played a major role in his successful spell at the West Midlands outfit, especially given the style of football that the Walsall manager employs.
Cain continued: “His philosophy is to play football, which suits me down to the ground. I’m one of the players that likes to get the ball on the deck and move as quickly as I can. I’ve settled in well, so it’s a good combination.
“He told me [when I joined] that I was playing the next day. He threw me straight in to give me a chance and show him what I’ve got.”
Smith was quick to recognise the young central midfielder’s quality, having watched him play on several occasions before making the decision to sign him on loan, according to the Saddlers boss.
“Michael’s a really good player,” said Smith. “I’d seen him a number of times and I know Craig Shakespeare and Steve Beaglehole very well. He really impressed us.
“When he came in it was at a time when we really needed him. He’s played a number of games for us at such a young age. He’s done really well for us.”
Cain has swiftly settled in under the stewardship of Smith and has certainly helped to strengthen the Walsall midfield.
Smith added: “He’s got a really good understanding of the game. He’s got a good technical and tactical awareness of the game and he’s certainly shored-up our midfield this season.
“He’s settled in really well. All the lads like him. He’s a popular member of the playing staff. We thank Leicester City for lending him to us. He’s done really well and he’ll have a part to play in the rest of the season.”
Fellow midfielder and Saddlers captain Adam Chambers, who has donned a Walsall jersey nearly 150 times since joining in the summer of 2011, commended Cain for his promising ability and believes that there is more to come from the youngster.
“He’s been very good,” Chambers said. “Since he came in a few months ago he has settled in really well, both on and off the pitch.
“He knows how we like to play. We like to pass the ball and that suits him down to the ground. He’s really performed well since he’s been here.
“His range of passing is really good. He’s technically very good and he’s got a good eye for goal – he’s scored a couple of important goals for us this year. He’s got a good all-round game and he’s still very young so he’s still got room to improve, too.
“The lads get on well with Cainy. He’s a good lad to be around, which obviously helps. At Walsall we try and bring in good people as well as good players, so he fits the bill perfectly.”
A member of the media who has watched Cain regularly is Walsall Advertiser’s Michael Beardmore, who cited Cain’s expansive skillset as something which could play a pivotal role in Walsall’s League 1 survival bid.
Michael said: “He’s a really dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. He came in and added a lot of drive to the Walsall midfield. He always seems to be looking for the ball and never hiding. He’s done really well during his loan spell at Walsall.
“The fans have taken to him very well. They can see what he’s got. He came in at a period when Walsall were struggling.
“They were second-bottom when he arrived on loan. Whether it’s a coincidence or not, results definitely improved after he joined. He’s played a good role in helping Walsall up the League 1 table.”
And Cain’s ability certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed amongst Saddlers supporters either. Walsall fan Jason believes the Development Squad youngster has added a huge boost of energy in the centre of the pitch.
Jason said: “Michael has been good. He’s brought a lot of energy to the team when we needed it. We lost Sam Mantom, who was a big driving force in our midfield and Michael Cain brought that back.
“He’d probably like more goals, but what he has done is quality and you can’t argue with it. He’s been really good. He always wants the ball. He’ll take people on and look for that pass and make things happen.”
Looking forward to continuing his productive spell at the Banks’ Stadium, Cain added: “I want to push on and try and play as many games as I can. Hopefully I can grab a few more goals as well!”