Darryl Westlake feared Walsall season KO

Darryl Westlake today revealed he feared he'd suffered a season-ending KO after making his Walsall comeback.

The right-back returned in yesterday's 2-2 reserve team draw with Nottingham Forest after five weeks out with ankle ligament damage.

But he admitted he thought he'd broken his ankle after falling awkwardly in the 6-5 Birmingham Senior Cup defeat at Hednesford last month.

He said: "I thought it at the time – because of the amount of pain I was in – but luckily I didn't break it.

"At the start I was in so much pain, I couldn't walk and I was on crutches but I've built the strength up. The staff said I'd done the ligaments but I didn't have to go for a scan or anything.

"From the start Jon Whitney (physio) said it would take about a month to six weeks and it's been five so it's feeling good.

"It's still a bit weak so I need to keep strengthening it but I played 90 minutes yesterday and it felt good. It's getting there."

But, despite his return, the 20-year-old ruled himself out of Saturday's home showdown with League One leaders Charlton.

"It's up to the gaffer but personally I'd say it was a bit too soon," he said. "I was blowing towards the end yesterday so I don't think I'm 100 per cent fit yet. I'll keep working hard in training and get a few more games and then I'll be ready to go.

"Lee Beevers has been playing well lately so it's down to me to keep impressing in training and show the gaffer I'm back and I'm ready to get my place again."

The Saddlers also ran the rule over trialist Luke Mulholland, who has been playing for Minnesota Stars in America, against Forest as boss Dean Smith looks for midfield options.

He said: "Luke showed good technical ability and technique, much as I expected him to, and we will be having another look at him."