Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has confirmed the club are in negotiations to extend Clayton McDonald’s loan from Manchester City.

The defender’s current spell ends after Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at Stourbridge and the Saddlers are desperate to tie him down for another month.

McDonald is available for the clash after being granted permission to play by the Premier League outfit and boss Hutchings revealed talks are on-going to keep him at the Banks’s.

He said: “Clayton is available for Saturday and we’re looking to extend that loan. We’ve been in contact with Manchester City and we’re waiting for them to get back in touch with us.

“The lad wants to stay, he’s enjoyed it. He was playing, got injured and now wants to get back into the side. All young players don’t want to play in the reserves, they want to play in the first team and he’s had a good taste of it.

“He’s played at some decent grounds in front of decent crowds and the more you taste it the more you want.”

McDonald has already spent two months with the Saddlers, making eight appearances, but is out of the side after suffering a groin injury at MK Dons last month.

The 20-year-old has been kept on the bench after recovering by Mark Hughes and Manny Smith and Hutchings has praised the player’s attitude.

He said: “I am sure he would rather be on our bench than sitting in the stands at Manchester City. If an opportunity comes along when one of the centre-backs gets injured he’s got to be ready to step in.

“It’s all part of the learning process. He’s learning along the way and when you’re out of the side you want to get back in so it’s about mental strength.

“You’ve got to stay strong, remain focused and when the chance comes you’ve got to take it.”

But Hull have rejected the Saddlers’ request to include loan goalkeeper Mark Oxley on the bench, meaning 18-year-old Tim Cooney should be included.

Jamie Vincent and Richard Taundry are also sidelined with respective calf and hamstring injuries, but Peter Till’s hamstring strain will be assessed tomorrow.

Sam Parkin has recovered from a back spasm but Hutchings revealed Taundry could be out for another two weeks.

The manager added: “I am hoping it will be ten days or maybe two weeks and then he’ll be back in the fold again.”