Drop talk 'stupid' to Matt Richards

Matt Richards has branded talk of relegation "stupid" and insisted Walsall aren't even considering the drop.

The Saddlers' man of the moment revealed the squad don't talk about losing their League One status despite their struggles.

They host Southampton on Saturday knowing a win could move them within two points of the safety line following their shock 1-0 victory at Charlton on Sunday.

And Richards, who has three goals in his last three league games and scored the winner at the Valley, insisted the second-bottom Saddlers aren't thinking about the worst.

He said: "It's way too early, it's a stupid thing to even consider. The ability here is unbelievable, so it's not even in question.

"We're not in a great situation but it's not even entered anyone's minds. We believe we can climb up the table and turn this season around.

"We've got to concentrate on ourselves and only ourselves, there's no point in looking at other teams and hoping they win or lose – that's not the point."

The Saddlers have won two of their last three League One outings thanks to Richards' goals and the midfielder is eager to play in front of their home fans against after the visit of Oldham was postponed two weeks ago.

He added: "It was disappointing to have the game cancelled against Oldham, everyone wanted to play. Everyone is eager to get back at the Banks's Stadium and play against Southampton.

"It'll be an interesting game, the matches were very eventful last year."

Strikers Reuben Reid and Jonathan Macken were due to train today ahead of the Saints clash after hamstring and calf injuries respectively, while Darren Byfield had an injection on his injured knee this week.

Manager Chris Hutchings said: "Reuben and Jonny Macken are looking to train this morning, so they could be back in contention.

"Darren's had a little jab and hopefully it will kick him on again, it's just a matter of getting to the next stage."