Express & Star

Will Grigg hints he will stay at Walsall

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Striker Will Grigg today hinted he is ready to stay at Walsall and insisted he will ignore any speculation on his future.

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The 16-goal top scorer is out of contract at the end of the season and the Saddlers are in talks to extend his deal.

Two goals in Saturday's 3-1 win over Shrewsbury made it five in his last two games as he looks to become the first Walsall player to hit 20 goals in a season since Jorge Leitao 12 years ago.

And Grigg admitted he would be keen to follow Andy Taylor, Paul Downing and Mal Benning in penning a new deal at the Banks's Stadium.

The Northern Ireland international said: "It's where I've started my career and the gaffer has given me my chance so I would be happy to stay.

"I just want to concentrate, though, you never know where we're going to be at the end of the season so I'll concentrate on getting us into the play-offs and we'll go from there.

"I'm focusing on my football and we'll see what happens in the next few weeks."

Victory, which also saw Craig Westcarr score his first Walsall goal, moved the Saddlers up to eighth and just five points behind the League One play-offs with 10 games left.

They are unbeaten in six games and have lost just once in 2013 ahead of a crucial double header with promotion rivals Swindon and Tranmere.

A run of 10 wins in 14 games has boosted their play-off hopes and Grigg insisted they are playing without pressure.

He said: "At the start of the season we were favourites to finish bottom. People went into the season expecting us to get relegated – that was never our expectation but it's one of those things.

"The gaffer gives us a lot of freedom going forward and we've managed to tighten things up at the back. It's a pleasure to be in the side – we're creating chances left, right and centre so what more could you want as a striker?"

And boss Dean Smith reiterated his desire for Grigg to stay at the Banks's for the sake of his career.

He added: "If clubs come in and give you an unbelievable offer then you have to listen but I've said to Will, for his development, he should be at this football club next season."