Alex Nicholls ready to star for Walsall

Alex Nicholls today vowed to be the man to replace Troy Deeney if Walsall sell their star to Watford.

The striker is desperate to prove his worth up front should Deeney move to the Hornets, who are long-term admirers.

Boss Malky Mackay is still eyeing Deeney but is yet to make fresh contact with the Saddlers since their third bid – understood to be in the region of £100,000 – was rejected last week.

And Nicholls says with Deeney's future uncertain he can score the goals to plug the gap.

"If it happens and Troy goes someone has got to fill that role and someone has got to step into his shoes and do the same job. That's for me," said the 22-year-old, who netted in the 2-1 defeat against Villa on Tuesday.

"That's what I'm aiming for. I know everyone sets themselves targets and the gaffer (Chris Hutchings) has set Troy 20 goals this season so if he's not here someone else has got to do it. I'm hoping that will be me."

But Nicholls, who has scored 14 goals in 127 appearances for the Saddlers, knows Deeney is key to the club's chances of success in League One this season.

He said: "There have been players here who I've played with before who have scored goals and moved. Matty Fryatt scored year in, year out and you look at the move he got (to Leicester). Players like that are always going to be valuable to the team.

"Everyone knows what Troy brings to the team, he works hard, battles and for a player like me he's ideal because he'll do all the battling and I'll do the running in behind.

"He is good to play with but whether he is here or not is another matter."

Nicholls is the Saddlers' only scorer this summer ahead of their final pre-season game at Port Vale on Saturday.

But the striker says they will be ready ahead of the visit of Milton Keynes Dons on August 7.

"When the first day of the season comes we'll be ready and sharp and will be taking those chances," he said. "Strikers are always looking at on the goals they score and it's something I need to add to my game."