Express & Star

Dean Smith crossing fingers at Richard O'Donnell contract acceptance

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Dean Smith is hopeful the heartstrings will prove a greater pull than the purse strings on Richard O'Donnell - and see the keeper stay at Walsall. more

The Saddlers are waiting to hear whether their No.1 will accept the offer of a new two-year contract.

Smith revealed earlier this week discussions were proving "very hard" due to travelling arrangements of O'Donnell's agent.

The keeper, whose current deal runs out this summer, has kept 21 clean sheets in all competitions this season.

Smith said: "We would love him to stay and that is why we have offered him a really good contract.

"Now it is down to the player.

"I am hopeful, I am always hopeful.

"He likes it here and you can see he comes in with a smile on his face every day and he has done really well this season.

"As a back five they have been excellent and to keep as many clean sheets as they have is tremendous.

"We are hopeful the tug of the heartstrings and not the lure of money away from here will keep him here."

O'Donnell, who began his career at Sheffield Wednesday, has started every game since signing as a free agent in 2013 and made his 100th appearance for the club in the 0-0 draw with Notts County earlier this month.

Smith accepts the keeper's fine performances will have attracted the attention of club's from higher levels but hopes the knowledge of being No.1 will keep O'Donnell at the Banks's.

"The other way of looking at it is if he moves away, will he become the No.1 goalkeeper and play week-in, week-out like he has here," he said. "We will have to wait and see.

"That is down to Richard and his representative to sort out.

"It is a two year deal and we are just waiting to hear. We can't force their hand and that is just the way the business is."

The Saddlers opened talks with O'Donnell, top scorer Tom Bradshaw and defensive duo Paul Downing and Rico Henry back in February.

Henry signed a new two-year deal earlier this month, while discussions with Bradshaw and Downing are ongoing.

"I have met with the representatives of both and I'm hopeful something can be done pretty soon," said Smith.