Ledesma keen on stay at Walsall

Midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma today refused to rule out staying at Walsall - even if the Saddlers are relegated.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has put his future on hold to focus on the club's League One survival bid.

Ledesma was sent off in last week's 3-1 defeat against Brighton and will miss the next three games, but hinted he might extend his stay beyond the summer.

He said: "This is a nice area and I enjoy playing for the team so I would be pleased to stay here — but first of all I am focused on helping the team stay up.

"The coaching staff and my team-mates have done everything they can to help me settle and the fans have also been very welcoming.

"It's obviously strange for me coming to a different country but everyone has been very kind to me.

"From my point of view it is very disappointing to miss out on these matches — games which are going to be key to the club's survival."

Ledesma has excited Saddlers fans and inspired his side to a stunning comeback in last month's 5-2 win against Hartlepool.

The ex-QPR and Genoa star has experience of a relegation battle with Salernitana two years ago and insists Walsall will survive if the players work together.

"I was in a similar situation with Salernitana and we managed to stay in Serie B so that gives me hope," he added.