Nicholls believes in striker Deeney

Walsall attacker Alex Nicholls has hailed Troy Deeney as the complete striker and has backed the hitman for greater things.

The 22-year-old insists the Saddlers' 11-goal top scorer has what it takes to terrorise League One defences.

Nicholls believes Deeney has the mark of Michael Ricketts, who played for England after leaving the Saddlers.

He said: "Troy has got everything, he's got the ability, he scores goals and everyone wants a goalscorer. The goals he scores are all sorts. They have been poachers goals and classy goals, he's got everything.

"It you look at his assists I bet he's got a lot. He's strong and when he gets the ball he links the play. He's a Michael Ricketts type of player.

"Troy and Darren Byfield are doing well, they've scored goals and I'm sure they will carry on scoring and doing well."

Byfield has already urged Deeney to stay with the Saddlers and now Nicholls has echoed his request.

The pair have grown up playing for the club and Nicholls wants his pal to stay at the Banks's Stadium - because any move could harm his career.

He said: "The more games he gets at a club like this will only help him. If he makes a move too quickly it could backfire on him.

"Troy has learned his trade here, it's a good place to play and get the experience."