Walsall boss in defender tribute

Chris Hutchings has hailed Stephen Roberts' courage as he battles back from his injury nightmare.

The defender is on course to play some part in Walsall's pre-season after spending seven months on the sidelines.

He injured his knee at Huddersfield in December and was plagued by back spasms as he tried to return.

He had surgery in May, to decompress a troublesome nerve in one of his spinal discs, and boss Hutchings has praised the 29-year-old's attitude.

He said: "Your back affects everything - you can't walk, sneeze or cough without it hurting.

"It's the most uncomfortable injury you could have, but he's remained buoyant and it's very difficult to do that, but he's had the operation and can see light at the end of the tunnel.

"He has been down and frustrated at times because I've only seen in him in two training sessions since the middle of January when I first came to the club.

"We've been very frustrated because we know he's played at a higher level and we know he can play."

The Wales international also spent time at Lilleshall earlier this month ahead of the Saddlers' return for pre-season training on Thursday, July 2.

"He worked extremely hard at Lilleshall," said Hutchings. "Whether he is able to join in with us on July 2 will be touch and go, but, as long as he's improving and getting fitter, it's one of those things you've got to take step by step."

With just Manny Smith, Anthony Gerrard and Rhys Weston able to play at centre-back, Roberts' impending return comes as a timely boost for Hutchings.

And the manager admits the former Doncaster and Wrexham man would be like a new signing. He said: "He would be like a new addition and we're looking forward to him coming back."