Walsall attacker Alex Nicholls has vowed to fight for his future at the Banks’s Stadium after admitting he had considered a loan move.

The 21-year-old scored twice in the reserves’ 3-3 draw at Albion last night, but has only made six starts for Chris Hutchings’ side this season.

With Steve Jones, Darren Byfield and Troy Deeney starring for the Saddlers, Nicholls revealed he had thought about a short-term move but, with the loan deadline today, will battle for his place.

He said: “I’d like to stay and break into the first team – and play up front – but it’s in the back of my mind. I’d like to stay and fight for my place but at the moment it doesn’t look that good for me or Sam Parkin, with the form they’re in.

“It’s frustrating because of the amount of games I played last year. It’s a step backwards for me.

“It’s hard, frustrating and takes its toll mentally but I’ve got to stay positive and if I get in to the first team I’ve got to show the manager what I can do.”

Nicholls’ contract expires at the end of the season and, ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Brentford, he is conscious about his long-term outlook – knowing his lack of action could harm his future.

He said: “There’s got to be scouts watching, my contract is up at the end of the season and your guess is as good as mine as to what’s going to happen.

“If people show an interest things could come early but, while I’m not playing, I’m not really stirring up much interest.

“Martin O’Connor said before the game last night ‘there will be lots of scouts here, put yourself in the shop window.’”

But Nicholls, who was joined on the scoresheet by Parkin at the Hawthorns, believes his chance will come after scoring five goals in his last five reserve games.

He said: “If I keep scoring goals in the reserves something has to go for me eventually.”