Walsall defender Manny Smith has pledged his future to the League One club and vowed – ‘I’m going nowhere.’

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Banks’s Stadium, with Albion and Nottingham Forest reportedly interested, after an impressive first half of the campaign.

But Smith is primed for the Saddlers’ clash at Millwall tomorrow and insists his mind is focused on leading the team to success.

He said: “I’m a Walsall player and there’s more I can learn from being here. I’m focusing on Walsall and carrying on what I’m doing for the club.

“I learn something new every day in training, I’m always learning playing with Mark Hughes or Clayton McDonald. I’m improving as a player and enjoy being here.”

Smith, who returns to the New Den for the first time since being knocked unconscious there last season, has been a key part of the Saddlers’ charge to the play-offs – playing in 20 of their 24 games.

With the retirement of Stephen Roberts and McDonald’s imminent departure back to Manchester City, Smith knows it is crucial he continues his form into the new year.

He added: “With the lack of centre halves I’ve taken my chance.”