Walsall boss Dean Smith reveals why he axed Will Grigg

Walsall manager Dean Smith today revealed he axed Will Grigg to revive the striker's stuttering season.

The 20-year-old has been on the bench for the last three games, despite being handed a new 18-month contract in November.

Grigg has scored just three times this season and hasn't netted in 12 games – since the 1-1 draw with Carlisle in October.

But Smith insisted the Northern Ireland under-21 international, who was dropped for the visit of Charlton, will rediscover his form.

The Saddlers boss said: "Will's been fine, he'd played the previous three games and needed a rest.

"I spoke with Will and he didn't feel like he'd been playing to the best of his ability. He's been trying as he always does but the quality has been lacking a little bit.

"I took him out of the Charlton game to give him a little rest. Hopefully it will do him good and he'll come him out all guns blazing.

"He's looked a little off and sometimes that happens. I actually apologised to him because sometimes I think he's older than he is.

"He plays with a maturity and trains with a maturity and you forget he's only 20-years-old."

Grigg was handed the No 9 shirt in the summer and started the season as Jon Macken's first choice strike-partner.

But the emergence of Bowerman, Jamie Paterson and Alex Nicholls' five goals restricted his chances, although Smith believes it's proof of the Saddlers' successful youth policy.

He added: "They can have ups and downs as young lads but what it shows is that we've got a production line which is working.

"The kids are coming through and it can only benefit us in the future."