Walsall forward Darren Byfield believes his strike partnership with Troy Deeney has defences running scared.

The duo have each plundered eight goals this season and have been rewarded with new contracts.

Deeney has also been linked to Championship strugglers Peterborough – a move denied by both camps.

And, ahead of the Boxing Day clash at Bristol Rovers, Byfield says their recognition proves defences are frightened.

He said: “We’re striking up fear into defenders. We hit it off straight away when we trained and played.

“We’ll continue doing what we’re doing but as soon as we drop below par we’ll not scare anyone so we’ve got to continue working hard. Our form can also work the other way though because defences are out to prove a point that they can stop us.”