Davies will fight for a place

Forgotten man Richard Davies today vowed to return to the first team and prove he can make it at Walsall.

The midfielder has seen his Saddlers career stall since making his debut at Swindon in January and is yet to play this season.

Ankle and hamstring problems have halted his progress but after returning to training this week, ahead of Saturday's League One trip to Colchester, Davies is targeting a comeback.

"I'm hoping to be on the bench and push myself as far as I can to get a start, I'm going to keep pushing myself," said Davies, whose last appearance came at MK Dons in April.

"It's been frustrating to get fit and then get injured again but hopefully I'm now fit.

"I've been getting little niggles and when I get back I get another one again. Hopefully this time I'll come back properly.

"The fans saw me in a couple of games in pre-season but I need to work and force my way in there."

The 19-year-old has ruled out a loan move and insists he will fight for his place in Chris Hutchings' side.

"I haven't discussed it with the manager, I'm just focused on getting fit," he said.

"We haven't got many reserve games coming up in the next month so I'm going to have to work on my fitness as much as I can. There's only training where I can do that so I have to show him what I can do."

And Davies says, after being out of the first team picture, Hutchings has continued to encourage him.

"He always gives me good advice, him and Martin O'Connor. They are always there to help you when you need it and I go on what they say," he added.