Roberts stepping up recovery
Forgotten Walsall defender Stephen Roberts is racing to be fit for the start of next season after stepping up his recovery.
The centre-half hasn't featured since injuring his knee clashing with Danny Cadamarteri in the Saddlers' 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield in December.
He has since suffered from back spasms and underwent a microdiscectomy three weeks ago, to decompress a troublesome nerve in one of his spinal discs.
It was initially feared the 29-year-old could miss the start the 2009/10 campaign, but he has begun ball work with physio Jon Whitney.
He expects Roberts to make a full recovery before August's League One curtain raiser.
Whitney said: "We are building up to running and we're aiming for Stephen to return to full training with the rest of the lads, at some point during our pre-season schedule.
"He is spending this week at Lilleshall, undertaking intense sessions to work on his core stability and fitness."
The news comes as a massive boost for Saddlers boss Chris Hutchings, as transfer listed Anthony Gerrard and Rhys Weston are the only recognised defenders contracted for next season.
Centre-back Manny Smith and versatile right-back Chris Palmer, who is also on the transfer list, are still to accept new deals.
