Walsall’s survival hopes were hit today after Norwich confirmed they will recall Matt Gill.

The midfielder’s loan was due to expire after tomorrow’s trip to Colchester and, despite the Saddlers trying to extend it, the Canaries want him back.

Gill has scored twice in seven games for the Saddlers and starred in their revival under manager Dean Smith, which has taken them to the brink of the safety line.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert said: “He is not staying. Because he has had the games now, he should be fit.

“Matt has done really well at Walsall but I am bringing him back. He needed games.”

Yesterday, Smith revealed he wanted to keep the 30-year-old for longer and the clubs did hold talks.

But the Saddlers’ attempts have been rebuffed leaving a massive hole in their midfield.

Whether Gill plays for the promotion-chasing Canaries remains to be seen, as he has made just 16 appearances since a 2009 move from Exeter.

But he will make a farewell outing at Colchester tomorrow with third-bottom Walsall bidding to climb out of the League One drop zone for the first time in four months.

A win – coupled with Swindon failing to beat Carlisle – would see them edge ahead of Plymouth and Yeovil on goal difference as the West County duo aren’t playing.

It would cap a stunning turnaround after Smith inherited a team eight points from safety just last month.

And Gill reckons, with just 10 points covering the bottom 10 of League One, the race for safety is on – even if he is unable to play a part.

He said: “I would think there are seven or eight teams who are worried – there are plenty involved which is good for us. It’s quite tough to know what will be needed to stay up.

“You’re looking at Exeter on 38 points in 14th and they might be a bit too far away but everyone beneath them will have a slight eye on what’s going on behind them.

“Yeovil looked like they were out of it but now have been sucked back down and there are probably six, seven or eight teams who have got it all on their minds.

“We’re probably the only club with the momentum at the moment.”