Call for strikers to stay patient

Chris Hutchings today told his sidelined strikers they must be patient in their bid to help Walsall's play-off charge.

The seventh-placed Saddlers are set for the visit of Southampton on Saturday knowing a win would see them leap into the top six – if Bristol Rovers drop points at Colchester.

Darren Byfield and Troy Deeney have both netted six times to keep out Sam Parkin and Alex Nicholls.

The latter pair combined for Parkin's third of the campaign in the 3-1 win at Yeovil on Tuesday and boss Hutchings says they need to stay focused.

"For a club like ours to have four strikers of that ability, and they are all different with different strengths, is a massive plus," he said.

"They've been patient and know they will get their chances. Other players have shown if you get the shirt and play well you will keep it. It doesn't matter who it is. If you're doing well and playing consistently you're doing a job and it's up to others to get back into the side."