Walsall midfielder Richard Taundry has revealed his desperation to join the Saddlers’ League One play-off push after returning to training.

The 20-year-old has been out since aggravating a hamstring injury at Wycombe last month and rejoined the squad this week – but Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Brentford has come too soon.

But Taundry, who originally pulled his hamstring at Tranmere in September, wants to be soon be a part of the team who are just two points off the top six.

He said: “We seem to be sneaking under the radar at the moment, so hopefully we can keep progressing and picking up points along the way.

“The lads have been doing well of late and I know that the manager has a policy of ‘if you’re doing well you keep the shirt’, so it will be tough to get back in. I’ve worked hard in training this week but I know I will have to fight hard to get my starting place back.

“It’s been frustrating. I came back, had a full week of training and a midweek game for the reserves but I felt my hamstring again and had to come off at Wycombe.

“No player likes to be out injured, but hopefully that’s behind me now and I can concentrate on getting back into the team.”

Manager Chris Hutchings is also keen to get Taundry back for the Saddlers.

The Walsall boss said: “We’ve missed his attitude and workrate. He brings something extra to the team and it will be a real boost to have him back in my plans.

“Richard has been working hard with the physio and returned to the group this week, but we are going to be careful not to rush him back too soon and risk doing any further damage.”

Taundry is joined in training by Jamie Vincent, back after a calf injury, while Hutchings will monitor Dwayne Mattis’ recovery from an Achilles injury before considering him for Saturday.