Alex Nicholls plots Walsall star role

Alex Nicholls today threw down the gauntlet to Walsall's transfer targets and insisted "I want to be top dog."

The striker issued a statement of intent in the Saddlers' 2-1 win at Brentford on Saturday after claiming his first goal of the season.

It silenced the critics after his crucial miss in the Carling Cup defeat to Tranmere last week and, with boss Chris Hutchings hunting a new striker, Nicholls insists he wants to be first choice.

He said: "The gaffer will bring in a striker in because he needs it and I don't see myself as the main man at the moment because I haven't scored enough goals. But maybe in a couple of months I can label myself as that.

"I want to kick on, it's no secret I want to go the same way Troy Deeney has gone, have a good couple of seasons and better myself."