Nicholls fears for his Walsall future

Walsall striker Alex Nicholls has revealed fears for his future but is trying to block out any doubts ahead of the final run-in.

The 22-year-old is one of several stars out of contract at the end of the season but won't find out his fate until after the last game, at home to Milton Keynes Dons.

Nicholls became a father this season and admits the wait to find out if a new deal will be offered has been difficult.

He said: "When things aren't going well you go home and you're disappointed, you worry. People have got families need to look after.

"Contracts aren't offered until the last minute here so they do keep you hanging on but that's what happens.

"It's a worry but the more you worry the more it's going to affect you.

"You've got to be positive and try not to think about it."

With mid-table safety assured, thoughts are starting to turn to next season and boss Chris Hutchings has revealed not all of his current squad will be offered new terms.

Goalkeeper Clayton Ince, Rhys Weston, Dwayne Mattis and Richard Taundry are all among those waiting to hear about their futures.

But Nicholls has forced his way back into the starting line-up and believes it's crucial to play as much as possible with his future still to be decided.

He said: "If you're in the team it's good, especially at this stage of the season with me being out of contract.

"I would rather be in the team than sitting on the bench."