Walsall want to keep loan star duo

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings will pursue plans next week to extend the stays of the two loan players who have helped the Saddlers "turn the corner."

Barnsley midfielder Martin Devaney and Stoke's Andrew Davies are being credited with a major impact in helping Hutchings' team slow their slide, with four points from the last two games.

Although both players have three more games to play before their month's loan runs out, the manager has been sufficiently impressed to try to negotiate longer terms.

He said: "It's something we shall look at next week. It's something we would certainly like to do but we will have to get in touch with their parent clubs.

"But they have made a big contribution. We all know that this club has some fine young players but when things don't go well then a lack of confidence and inexperience comes into it.

"That's when you need the more experienced lads to step forward. "

Hutchings is now casting doubts that Richard Taundry and Darren Byfield could return against Tranmere.

Taundry has been out for seven weeks and Byfield a month because of knee injuries.

The Walsall boss said: "Both are obviously very short of match practice.

"It's possible they could be in the squad but the last thing we want to do is set either back."