Walsall extend Martin Devaney loan

Walsall have extended Martin Devaney's loan from Barnsley for another month.

The Saddlers have struck a deal with the Tykes and the winger will also be allowed to play in tomorrow's FA Cup first round trip to Fleetwood, subject to Football Association clearance.

Devaney has made four appearances, scoring once, and impressed despite the Saddlers slumping to the bottom of League One.

And under-fire manager Chris Hutchings confirmed this morning he has captured the 30-year-old until December.

He said: "We're going ahead with it. He is a threat, he's enjoying his football, playing regularly and he's playing well.

"Martin has scored and created and he's enjoying himself again, which is the most important thing.

"He's a winner and doesn't like getting beaten. His performances have been very good and he's got to continue to do that.

"When you're playing well, scoring goals and creating you are full of confidence and he is at the minute."

Devaney is out of contract at Oakwell at the end of the season and isn't part of manager Mark Robins' plans, but Hutchings insisted he wasn't thinking about trying to make it a permanent move.

He said: "Martin is a Barnsley player and he's here for the next month so we're not even going down that line.

"We have him for the next month and we'll take it from there.

"What Barnsley decide to do, I don't know."

Hutchings admitted Devaney has boosted his new team-mates after just one win in their last 13 games.

The manager said: "When you see other players take people on, create and score it's a feel-good factor.

"It's what you want as a footballer."

Along with Devaney, Barnsley team-mate Liam Dickinson has been given the OK to play tomorrow – despite the Tykes' initial reluctance to let the striker feature.

Albion have given permission for Reuben Reid to play, while Manchester City loanee Ryan McGivern is also available.

But captain Darren Byfield is again sidelined with a knee injury and Hutchings admitted they need to assess his condition.

He added: "We might have to go down other avenues and see the specialist again but he's building it up to see if he can get through it."