Byfield urges Walsall to keep Clayton
Walsall striker Darren Byfield has urged the club to tie down Clayton McDonald after backing the defender's Premier League dream.
The forward has been impressed with the Manchester City man, who has earned rave reviews since joining on a month's loan two weeks ago.
McDonald kept fit-again skipper Mark Hughes on the bench in Saturday's 3-2 win at Tranmere and boss Chris Hutchings is open to extending the loan.
It could all depend on Stephen Roberts' fitness – with the Saddlers waiting on results of his back scan – but Byfield believes McDonald needs to stay.
The 32-year-old said: "I heard him say last week he would love to stay longer and, whether it be a three-month loan or a season-long loan, it would be great to have him.
"It's like he's been here all season. He's a good lad off the pitch as well, he hit it off straightaway with the lads.
"He's done exceptionally well."
Byfield believes the 20-year-old McDonald, son of Saddlers legend Rod, has the quality to succeed in the Premier League.
He said: "Can he play in the top flight? Definitely. He seems a boy who is willing to learn and his attitude is spot on.
"If he carries on learning he can slot back in at City."
McDonald is set to play the final game of his loan spell against Carlisle on October 3.
