Dean Smith to keep faith with his Walsall FC forwards

Sections of the club's support have been calling on the manager to sign another forward after a run of games in which they had failed to regularly test the opposition keeper.

But with Troy Hewitt bagging his first goal for a much-improved Saddlers in Tuesday's derby at Wolves, Smith has reiterated his faith in the forward line.

And he compared the situation to a year ago when similar concerns were raised, before Will Grigg went on to score 20 goals last season having netted just three the campaign before.

Smith has previously suggested the club might make use of the emergency loan window when it opens next week. But when asked whether he was content with his current attacking options, he replied: "The questions keep coming about me getting another forward in.

"But I think this time last year they were asking me to get a striker as well and Will Grigg came up trumps, didn't he?

"The players I have got have shown they can score goals."

Smith had to rebuild the forward line following the summer departures of Grigg, Febian Brandy and Jamie Paterson. All three arrivals – Milan Lalkovic, Romaine Sawyers and Hewitt – are now off the mark.

Ashley Hemmings is currently the club's top scorer with three goals, while fellow wideman James Baxendale has two.

Smith was full of praise for Hewitt, who he believes will become more involved from now on. The 24-year-old, who began his career in non-league football, has been limited to substitute appearances so far but made a big impression against Wolves.

"Troy took his goal really well at Wolves. I am really pleased for him," said Smith. "He is a great lad and we have high hopes for him.

"He will definitely be more involved from now on. I have always felt he would do well."