Walsall midfielder Richard Taundry has admitted the Saddlers’ stars are fighting for their futures and must keep the season alive to earn new deals.

His contract expires at the end of the campaign with the likes of Manny Smith, Alex Nicholls and Jamie Vincent also up for renewal.

They go to Southampton on Saturday and Taundry believes it is vital the players perform to safeguard their futures.

He said: “There are a lot of lads who are out of contract at the end of the season so it’s a massive time for them to really push on, along with me because I’m up as well. It’s huge to push on and try and get something.

“Everyone has their own way of going about things and we have our team morale to go with, so it’s massive for everyone.

“We want to finish as high as possible and be realistic so we need to get our heads down and work hard.”

The 21-year-old has impressed after his return to the starting line-up following an injury plagued first half of the season.

Despite Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Yeovil, Taundry was pleased with his personal performance but knows it means little if the team fail to win.

He said: “I’d like to continue with the way I’m playing and there’s a few things I need to tidy up on, but that will come with a good run of games. I’m really happy with how I’ve been performing, but it’s not good enough if we’re not bringing in results.

“It’s a bigger thing for the club to win so as long as we’re getting results that’s all that matters.”

After playing seven games in February the Saddlers’ hectic spell is set to end following the trip to the Saints and Taundry is pleased they can get back to basics on the training ground.

He said: “It’ll be the first time for a long while we’ll be able to come in on a Monday and focus towards the weekend, so it will be good for a couple of the lads to get that rest in.

“Hopefully we can get the boys who are injured back.”

Jamie Vincent is expected to train tomorrow for Walsall, after twisting his ankle on Tuesday along with Darryl Westlake. Rhys Weston returned from his hamstring injury today.