Darren Byfield targets fitness boost

Walsall skipper Darren Byfield today revealed his injury hell could be nearing an end.

The crocked captain, out for three months with knee problems, is set to see a specialist this week and hopes to be given a time-frame on his recovery.

The club and player have been careful not to set any targets but Byfield admitted there's a chance he could get a date to resume training.

"That's what I'm hoping for," he said. "The knee is slowly but surely getting there. I've got to see the guy again this week and hopefully it's good news. The problem is it's still inflamed.

"We're going to look and see how it's getting on, whether it's still loose and so on. I'll know more when I see him.

"People ask 'how long?' and I'm looking at them and haven't a clue. I'm at the stage of thinking that I'm going to wake up one day and it's going to feel stronger."

Byfield's return to action, at any time, would be a massive boost for the beleaguered Saddlers who are rock bottom of League One — seven points from safety.

They are the lowest scorers in the division, with just 17 goals, and desperately need their talismanic captain back.

Six-goal top scorer Reuben Reid's loan is up in January and reports suggest his agent has been touting the Albion striker to Championship and League One clubs, with Scunthorpe and Huddersfield targeted.