Saddlers sharpen up to face Sheffield steel

Walsall boss Dean Smith admits he and his players are relishing their return to League One action.

The Saddlers face promotion rivals Sheffield United at the Banks's tomorrow after three weeks without a league fixture.

Now third in the table, a Walsall victory will extend the gap over Nigel Adkins' side to 10 points.

And Smith confirmed the whole squad is looking forward to the game.

"We are very happy to be back at it," the boss said. "The players are refreshed, rejuvenated and looking forward to getting the campaign going again.

"It's been a while since the Gillingham game, nearly three weeks now. But the players have trained really well.

"I was a little bit sceptical of how they would come in on Monday but I needn't have been because they were right at it from the off."

Despite their status as league heavyweights, the Blades arrive eighth in the table and without a win in their last three league games. But Smith believes they will grow as a force as they get more accustomed to Adkins' methods.

"I'm not surprised they are where they are because it takes time when a new manager comes on," he said.

"I remember when Nigel went in to Southampton, it took them a little bit of time but then they went on a fantastic run.

"With the calibre of players United have you got, you wouldn't put it past them doing the same.

"We've got to make sure we're at our best. Nigel was very successful at Scunthorpe and went to Southampton and was successful there.

"Sheffield United have been trying to get out of this league for a while now. I don't think many people expected them to stay in this league as long as they have. They are a big club who have good players."

Meanwhile, Smith has confirmed talks have begun with Manchester City to extend the loan of midfielder George Evans.

"It's all been pretty much agreed that we can extend it so we are just trying to tie up the paperwork," the boss added.