Dean Smith: Jordan Cook can challenge

Walsall boss Dean Smith expects Jordan Cook to be competing with Tom Bradshaw for a striking role next season.

The 25-year-old spent the vast majority of the 2014/15 campaign playing on the wing in Smith's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

But the Saddlers manager sees the tricky speedster competing with or playing alongside Bradshaw up front next season.

"He has played out wide but I see him more as a centre-forward," Smith said.

"He has helped us playing out there but I do think Jordan has done well when playing up front.

"I think back to the Oldham game and at Crawley – he was outstanding.

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"He just hasn't found the net as regularly as Tom did. It has been tough for him."

Smith felt Cook's form was hampered after he picked up an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly against Torquay last July.

"When he came in he was like a breath of fresh air but unfortunately he got injured," the boss said.

"He missed a long period there and it took him a little while to find his feet.

"Certainly when he has played up front, when Tom was missing, he did OK.

"I want him competing with Tom or even playing with Tom. That is what I think he can do."