Walsall attacker Alex Nicholls is primed for the front-line and determined to prove he is a natural-born finisher.

The 21-year-old could start up front in the League One finale at home to Oldham on Saturday, with striking duo Jabo Ibehre and Michael Ricketts set to miss out.

Ibehre is doubtful after damaging a hamstring in the 1-0 victory at MK Dons last weekend, while Ricketts is still receiving treatment to an Achilles injury which caused him to miss the win.

With the striking duo struggling for fitness, Nicholls is set to partner Troy Deeney up front and is ready to end his 13-game barren spell in front of goal.

He said: “I haven’t scored in quite a while and, the way it’s looking with injuries, I’m hoping I’m going to get a chance up front.

“If I do get my chance I can take it with both hands, because I’ve been saying it all season my best position is as a striker but I need to show the manager (Chris Hutchings) I can do it.

“Even though I’ve learnt a lot playing out wide, I’m more comfortable up front and hopefully I’ll get the chance to show the boss that.

“I feel as if I know what I’m doing more so than playing on the wing, I know what my role in the team is.”

Nicholls has been deployed on the right-wing for much of the season but has netted six times and is the top-scoring Saddlers midfielder.