Darren Byfield relieved to end Saddlers injury hell

Darren Byfield today revealed his relief after ending five months of injury hell.

The striker has been sidelined since September with a knee problem and admitted he thought he might have to quit.

But after a series of successful sugar injections he returned to full training this week to aid the Saddlers in their survival fight.

"To be back in full training is a great feeling, relief almost," said the 34-year-old.

"It was only a month or so ago that I was wondering what the future held. Now, after the sugar injections, I'm out there with the lads, beating players and scoring goals. The injections have worked wonders and the world is a better place."

Byfield has made just six appearances this term, scoring once, as the Saddlers battle against the drop.

He is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's visit of Rochdale – which could see fourth-bottom Walsall climb out of the League One relegation zone – and admitted he cannot go overboard.

He said: "I'm chomping at the bit to get back. I feel ready after the last couple of days but I just need to calm down a little. The last thing I want to do is declare myself fit only to break down again. It's a strange balance but I am feeling good.

"We'll just have to wait and see but, either way, there's light at the end of this big old tunnel."

Boss Dean Smith is hopeful the striker can return within the next week – but will treat him with kid gloves.

"Darren is back in full training but his fitness levels aren't where they are required at the moment but hopefully in the next week we could use him as an impact player from the bench," he said.

"It's something I'll have to chat to Darren about and see where we are on the training ground.

"Darren has a lot of energy about him and we know what he's about as a player. It can only benefit us if he's fit as soon as possible."

He added: "You will get little niggles along the way and, not being disrespectful to Darren, at his age you feel it more as I did towards the end of my career."