Roberts is tipped for key role

The defender capped his comeback from eight months out with the winner in the weekend's 1-0 victory at Hereford as the Saddlers completed their pre-season preparations ahead of the big kick-off at Brighton on Saturday.

It marked the end to a frustrating period for the 29-year-old after he was sidelined with knee and back injuries.

"It's been a bit of a nightmare time for him and he's got a bit of a point to prove," said Hutchings.

"He's got over his injury and it's a matter of getting matches under his belt and getting that sharpness.

"You'd like to think he can be key, because he did very well when he first came to the club.

"But I haven't really seen him competitively as he was injured when I arrived.

"One or two times you think he's going to get caught out, but that's just the fitness levels and match sharpness will get him better and better."

And Hutchings admitted he is tempted to play Roberts in the Saddlers' opening League One game at Brighton on Saturday.

"It's a possibility he could play. We can think about it and we do know he needs games because he's been out for a long time," he said.

"Whether it comes a little bit too early remains to be seen but Manny (Smith) came in on Saturday and performed admirably."

With the season's curtain raiser just three days away Hutchings admits he knows some of his starting XI, but is still keeping his options open.

He said: "By this time you've got the nucleus of the side you want to start and you're always looking in training.

"You might have something in your mind right now but we could pick up an injury which messes things up so we'll keep it under wraps."