Sugar is sweet for Darren Byfield

Walsall captain Darren Byfield is on the verge of returning to sweeten the Saddlers' survival bid – after successful sugar jabs.

Byfield has been out since September with a knee injury but hopes, after a series of sugar injections, he can make a long-awaited comeback.

The 34-year-old started running yesterday and is eyeing a return to training as early as next week after the third and final jab.

He said: "I would put money on, by the time I've had the last injection, I'll be ready to join in training full time.

"It's the best my knee has felt in four months since the injury. I'm absolutely buzzing and can't wait to get started. It's a three course injection, so I'll have another today and another next week.

"I've always wanted a sugar injection. I've spoken to a lot of players about it and after I had it I felt the progress.

"I'm just happy I got to have an injection. I know having a sugar injection is a big thing which is why I put it to our physio Jon Whitney.

"We tried other things like a PRP injection, where they take the blood, spin it and inject it back in, which didn't really help.

"In the end I asked for a sugar injection and it's the best I've felt in four months."

Byfield has only played six games this season, scoring once, and the Saddlers have missed his experience as they sit rock bottom of League One.

Dean Smith is set for his first home game in full-time charge of the team after his appointment on Friday and Byfield backed the new manager.

He said: "Congratulations to 'Deano.' The performances have picked up, I know we haven't got the results we've deserved but it's been more positive.

"We look like we're going to win games."