Vincent keen on McDonald reunion

Jamie Vincent today backed Walsall's plans to mount a January raid on moneybags Manchester City for Clayton McDonald.

The defender returned to the Premier League billionaires at the weekend after the third and final month of his loan expired.

Boss Chris Hutchings has already confirmed he is keen on re-signing the 20-year-old next month and Vincent says he would be a valuable asset.

He said: "Clayton would strengthen the squad. He's only a young player and he's got a lot to learn but what he has shown proves he's a very good defender.

"He's at such a big club he may feel he might get a chance there but he's come here and got some good experience.

"It would be nice to get him but it would be a big ask because he's at a big club."

Before his exit, McDonald hadn't played for the first team since October after picking up a groin injury at MK Dons but prior to that he made eight appearances.

The form of Manny Smith and Mark Hughes kept him sidelined and Vincent says any move could hinge on McDonald's desire for first team football.

He said: "For him to go from Manchester City to Walsall he'd want to be playing.

"But if you're not getting a regular game for your own club it's something he will think about. "Hopefully they'll be able to sort something out although for him he'd have to play."

McDonald's departure and the retirement of Stephen Roberts has left the Saddlers stretched at the back – with skipper Hughes suspended for the Saturday's visit of Leyton Orient.

And Vincent, who has only just returned from a six week lay-off with a calf injury, says competition is vital.

"We unfortunately lost Robbo and if either of the centre backs go down in the future we would need Clayton to step in for the competition," added the 34-year-old.

Vincent is the veteran of the Saddlers' back four but insists he doesn't act as a father figure because his team-mates are mature enough.

He said: "The other defenders don't feel I have to because they are doing such a good job. Any kind of help I can give I will give, if anyone asks.

"Hughesy has been around a little, Manny has done a good job and Rhys (Weston) has been around the block so we've got a good balance. They've all got different qualities."