Tom Bradshaw eyeing Fleetwood game for return

Walsall hope top scorer Tom Bradshaw will be ready to return when they host Fleetwood later this month. more

The Saddlers 16-goal striker was yesterday ruled out of both the club's Easter fixtures as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.

But manager Dean Smith is optimistic the 22-year-old will return for the visit of the Shrimpers to the Banks's a week on Saturday, April 11.

"Jon Whitney is hopeful he will be ready for the following weekend when we play Fleetwood," said Smith.

"We have gone over it, it is frustrating for him and frustrating for us but players have got to step in and stand up."

The hour Bradshaw played in last month's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final defeat to Bristol City is the only time he has featured since being forced out of the 1-1 draw with MK Dons.

In total, he has started just 23 league games in a season regularly interrupted by hamstring problems.

"It makes his goalscoring record even more remarkable," added Smith.

"He was missing for those games and it is up to others to step up to the plate and take on the mantle."

The Saddlers hosted Notts County this afternoon, before travelling to face Peterborough on Monday.