George Evans back on Walsall goal trail

He's scored three times in just four appearances for the high-flying Saddlers.

But midfielder George Evans is targeting more goals to ensure Walsall remain in the hunt for automatic promotion from League One.

The 20-year-old is expecting to see his one month loan from Premier League giants Manchester City extended in the coming days.

And the talented youngster, who is the son of former Manchester City physio Ronnie Evans, revealed he came to the Banks's to score goals.

He said: "Scoring goals is an area of my game I'm really trying to work on. It's a part of my game which I needed to add to and I've been doing that for Walsall, so I'm delighted.

"Playing in the youth team at Man City, I've been more of a holding midfielder but here I'm being given a bit more freedom to get forward and go and express myself and I'm really enjoying it.

"I've scored three goals in four games since being here, it's been a good start, but it's only the start.

"I need to keep working hard with the lads and for the manager, keep progressing and adding more goals to my game and helping to get more wins for the team."

Evans has previously enjoyed loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Scunthorpe United. But he feels it is under Dean Smith and his staff that he is really making strides forward as a player.

He said: "Playing in League One is a massive part of my development. I've had two loans already.

"I went to Crewe when I was 18 and it was good experience for me. I learned a lot about the league and a lot about football.

"But coming to Walsall is a great loan move for me. I'm really enjoying my time here and I think I'm learning the game a lot better as well.

"Each day I'm working under a great manager and it's good when the manager gives you a chance like he does here.

"He's a fantastic manager and I'm also learning a lot from being around great players, I think I'm going to develop into a better player for this experience."

A boyhood Manchester City fan, Evans admits the dream is to one day play for the team he joined aged just six years old.

But while his heart may be sky blue, he's now very happy playing in Saddlers' red.

He said: "It's every boy's dream to play in the Premier League and obviously, as a City fan, I dream about playing for them one day. But coming out to a team like Walsall, for me it's fantastic.

"I've had good conversations with my dad and Jordy Hiwula, who was here last season and I'd heard nothing but good things about the club.

"Now I'm witnessing it for myself and I couldn't be happier."

Evans told of hiw his dad has been a major influence on his career, adding: "Everything to do with football, I speak to my dad.

"My dad's always there, he's been amazing for me from when I was a young boy to where I am now, so I owe a lot to him. He supported me and guided me all the way, so I'm very thankful.

"He used to play a bit and he was a physio at Man City when Joe Royle was there. He knows a lot about the game as well, so I listen to him and keep learning and make sure I improve."