Walsall have received a major boost with the return of Stephen Roberts as they close in on Jamie Vincent.

Boss Chris Hutchings had insisted he would not rush Roberts back following his eight-month lay-off with back and knee injuries, but handed the defender a surprise 20-minute run-out in the 2-1 win at Rotherham on Saturday.

Goals from Alex Nicholls and Richard Davies ensured the Saddlers won their first pre-season game but it was the return of Roberts, who last played in December, which pleased Hutchings the most.

The manager said: “He’s made very good progress and is ahead of schedule. We have to be careful with introducing him, but it will have been a psychological thing for him to have 20 minutes under his belt.

“I’m delighted for him, because he’s worked extremely hard.”

Roberts’ comeback bolsters the Saddlers’ defence and Hutchings is keen to add further experience to his back-line with left-back Vincent.

The 34-year-old, available on a free after his release from Swindon, replaced Netan Sansara at half-time.

Hutchings added: “We know Jamie’s got plenty of experience.”