Hutchings fighting to keep Jones fit
Chris Hutchings today admitted he will wrap Steve Jones up in "cotton wool" because he fears losing him for Walsall's crunch Christmas fixtures.
The Saddlers' nine-goal top scorer is nursing a groin injury he suffered last week and is yet to resume full training.
And boss Hutchings admits, ahead of the busy festive programme which starts with Saturday's visit of Leyton Orient, he will handle the winger with care.
"It's a bit of a cotton wool job with Steve," he said. "He's coming on and did some work with Jon (Whitney, physio) but on Tuesday he was still feeling it a little bit. We have to be careful. He has to be right in his own mind, we don't want him capable of getting through a game and then being out for two or three weeks, especially with the matches we've got."
The Saddlers play promotion rivals Bristol Rovers, Norwich and Charlton over Christmas and New Year and Hutchings admits he needs Jones fit because he scares the opposition.
Meanwhile, Josh Craddock has rejoined the Saddlers on trial. The striker left the club in August after becoming disillusioned with the game.
Hutchings added: "It's on a trial basis for this month."
